Volkswagen Jetta no crank no start Troubleshoot & Repair

1998 VW Jetta/Golf Manual transmission. wont crank no start, in this video demonstration i take you throught the steps i used to get the vehicle running after it left me stranded in the parking lot! once back at the shop we pull some schematics and well, lets tune in and see how this turns out~ Hope you enjoy
Im now on Patreon~ here you can help support this channel. with your help we can take this to a whole new level.
/ robinsonsauto
Visit me @ toolsandtime.com
And on Instagram Robinsonsauto
lets follow up on the free to join Forum "RepairTogether"
toolsandtime.c...
Here i can share all kinds of information thats simply not allowed on youtube, lets Repair Together!

[@EXOVCDS]

No time to watch the video while I'm at work... but time to give the first thumbs-up for VW content again! Will watch once I get home! =)

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you bud!!! nice hearing from you anytime ;) you most likely have done a tun of these lol might be like no! why! what the heck! hahaha thank god thats over :)

[@EXOVCDS]

Piece of cake... eh!? I also use a puller to remove the collar. Some guys will pull the steering wheel & shaft assembly (disconnect at yoke) so that they don't have to worry about needing a puller. I have never tried it like that... guess I'm set too deep in my ways! LOL

[@trucyphers8196]

@@robinsonsauto yuh@@see q

[@Tuffy_Cody_Suecroft]

This video was the first and only video I needed. Very well done thank you

[@hazlo0es33]

My jetta GL 99 has same problem. Thanks to this video now I know how to repair it. Hello from Guatemala.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Liked the circuit graphics and clear step by step of the whole procedure.Best of luck in the windy city !

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you I appreciate the feedback and well wishes, actually this was a couple weeks ago I just got around to editing, the ford fiesta series had already started when this one came in, we are back on real time again I need to start capturing more ;) thanks again and everything went well in the windy city

[@Marour.5]

I suggest doing a capacitive discharge of the car battery before changing out parts. Disconnect both battery terminals, starting with the ground - (negative), connect both connection leads with a jumper wire for at 1 minute. Reconnect both battery terminals, hopefully that helps. That worked with my car!

[@JohnIsett]

OMG, Will! This was an insane job for an ignition switch! I did my BMW X5 ignition switch in 20 min--no steering wheel removal, no puller, no safety bolts. VW engineering is ridiculous! There is no reason for this kind of security given the existing smart-key ignition disable circuitry. Anyway, nice job!

[@EXOVCDS]

The mk3 VW's are 18 to 24 years old... no smart anything back then.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

VERY detailed video Will, and the added visuals showed the extra steps you went to keep us entertained was the first time I saw a tech on KZbin do that!! I am SO AFRAID of going near those air bags, so I know EXACTLY what you mean. Again, GREAT VIDEO!!

[@ManicMechanic007]

Always a treat, now with a couple of unexpected surprises. Thanks Will.

[@robinsonsauto]

ManicMechanic007 thank you bud

[@scottdavis6186]

My son’s mk4 Golf might have a bad switch. If so, definitely putting a push to start in. I don’t have all the tools. Great video, great troubleshooting tips!

[@humidbeing]

"Gotta be a mac screwdriver. Snapon didn't work. Craftsman broke the plastic." LOL As a MAC fan that killed me.

[@robinsonsauto]

Hahaha i couldn't resist

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Where do I start with this one? Love that the car has crank windows and a cassette player...I miss simple cars like this. Impressed that there's 267K miles on that thing too. Stories like this make me want to buy another VW, then I hear some horror story that brings me back to my senses. Love the fact that you were able to bypass the security system and all the interlocks by simply shorting the starter with a screwdriver. Priceless! And as a resident of Rochester NY, nice Wegmans Shoppers Club card you have there. :)

[@Micsher729]

New subscriber to your channel. I suspected the ignition switch on my '13 Jetta and BAM! Worked like a charm! Thanks for the fantastic, informative video!

[@txsviking]

I'll follow Thomas with a thumbs up but I really was looking forward to an airbag demo. :D

[@robinsonsauto]

thank you hahaha that would have been great for the viewers im sure lol glad i haven't had to explain that one yet

[@brandonjay5146]

i recall a vw same thing but the safety clutch switch came out of its native home bracket pretty straightforward repair lol

[@mattwalker6271]

EXCELLENT video, we'll see if this solves my problem.

[@paulvw4442]

Nice to see you work on some VW'S Will, A++++++ as always, keep up the great work.

[@masonpugh3637]

What type bolt did you use size for what was broken out thanks

[@Kraig5821]

Very nice I wish I was as good as you with electrical problems.

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you for the feedback! Give it time, you just might pass me up ☺️

[@barbarellagb]

wow. lesson in diagnostics and so much more. what a great vid. thanks for the post.

[@DanielperezThedeepthinker]

Hey great video i have a 98 vw tdi no crank no start the part with a metal fuse and a red wire over the break booster is all melted i would like to know the name of it so i can buy. Thank you.

[@moi1480]

Hello. Good thing. Could you help me to star my beetle 2002. The same problem. I don’t know which one wire I need to put together. Thanks

[@dwpetty3723]

Great video, I wish they would get rid of flat head screws, what a pain to work with if they get stuck.

[@toyotaron7830]

Awesome video Will, I enjoy watching you work thru problems and share your experiences. Have you ever had an airbag go off while working on a vehicle? I can say after doing probably a hundred or more Toyota inflators and clocksprings I have not, but occasionally we get a used airbag that we can't throw in the trash or send back so we set them off. Not real sure I want to be in front of one of these when they explode, but I guess they do save lives.

[@charlese.malone2594]

you got me the seconded time with the Kaboom! :)

[@robinsonsauto]

like that old saying, If the left one don't get ya then the right one will haha ;)

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice video WIll...nice easy diagnosis & repair!

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you, glad you stopped by. hope all is going well on your side of the KZbin globe as we know it lol

[@joelsaint396]

Please tell me how you accessed that clutch safety switch. I have a 98 VW VR6 and it looks like I'm going to have to remove half the dash to get to it.

[@wysetech2000]

Nice job Will. I was dozing off for my "old Farts" afternoon nap when you connected the battery. Damn near scared me out of my skin....HaHaHa.

[@robinsonsauto]

hahaha I had a feeling ;) your welcome for the second wind lol good times

[@Eurospec73]

I just recently encountered a similar situation I just got a motor rebuilt on my car. I installed it myself, it cranks and doesn't start with no spark for like a week already. And now unfortunately it doesn't crank or start what could it be?

[@Mario51ize]

Hey, there. I have a no crank issue as well on my tdi. I replaced the ignition switch. Don’t have power going to the clutch switch. Don’t see any damage to the harness. The connections are tight. Fuse/relays are good. What confuses me is the alarm system came on. It shouldn’t have turned on if there’s no power to the clutch switch according to the wiring diagram. Possible ecu issue?

[@PrivateParts97]

So I have a 1.9 bew. I just installed the no glow plug harness now it's not starting. Turning over like it wants too but doesn't. What should I do?

[@ryleperera8446]

the best explanation and the solution and a very good video thanks

[@chrisbaker2903]

Where are those two terminals on the starter? I need to check the actual starter on my 03 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed. I looked at the starter but all the connectors are enclosed.

[@abelrosas2510]

Hey Robinson have the similar problem on my 95 jetta just curious what tool kit did you use to remove the collar on the column.

[@nicknicu1787]

Nice job Will! 👍 May I suggest not putting the failed part in the title? It makes for a more interesting video.

[@robinsonsauto]

thank you, and yes I agree and just removed it from the title per your request

[@trustingjesus8954]

Also try this ... Turn it to start for the radio to turn on.. Leave on 30 Min.. then start your car... Security system crap in 02 Jettas... Got a whole new fuel pump before I figured this trick out

[@coachgeo]

if one wanted to be simple and call it a "security feature" and hid a "start button" to use after turning key to "ON" Looks like instead of doing all the pulling of things apart to replace switch this would be easier..... where would you recommend to wire that in when it comes to ease of access to the correct wires? Also what gauge and should it be fused? Mine is a 2003 bew that has same problem. similar mileage too

[@douglasburt1622]

I’ve been scouring the web for the schematics that you used and haven’t been able to find it. I am getting a no crank/no start problem that is only periodic. Any thoughts you would have on that would also be appreciated.

[@DirtyDiezel]

Did all of this, used a led tail light for a test light lol. Then I ended up jiggling the wires at the starter and it started lol. FML lol

[@chrisyunge8569]

So, i had the windows go all the way down and not come up, interior light off and trunk lock quit, turn car off and tried starting it no go, push start car. Fine. But still wont crank or windows or trunk lock work,?

[@roosterbitz3776]

I had the same problem and I knew it was my ignition switch I didn't have the bearing splitter at the time so I got pissed LOL and cut the wires and hot-wired it it began to start up but now it won't even send a signal to the starter when I try to start it all the power and dash lights and everything but no starter engagement do you have any ideas what the problem could be?

[@efrainaguilar9339]

My 2011 jetta se 2.5 will only click once. No crank. No start. I already replaced starter twice. And it starts after i replace starter but next day it wont start. It only clicks once. Any help

[@boblenihan4425]

I have the same issue but with an automatic. Could it be the same issue?

[@zetaswhyos1344]

I have a 2013 Jetta and it has 0 mechanical issues and everything works. The only issue is that it doesn’t start or even click when I put the key in. Anyone kno what I need to fix cuz a lot of ppl r saying it’s not the starter? 2:56

[@zetaswhyos1344]

It only works when I jumpstart it

[@emtscythe3782]

Nice job Will, in case there any Anal folks out there, that bolt is called the Shear bolt and it can be ordered from most part stores when you get your new switch but nothing wrong with replacing it with a standard Hex fastener. Also as long as your careful placing the wheel back very closely you shouldn't have to have the Angle sensor reprogrammed. I've seen guys use an impact to put the sleeve back on and ohhhhhh my is it costly. As always great video bud.

[@robertpc100]

GOOD VIDEO.CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU DOWNLOAD TO PRINT OFF YOUR WIRING DIAGRAMS AND OR OTHER HOW TO INFOR FOR DIFFERENT AUTOMOBILES WITHOUT HAVING TO BUY ALL SHOP MANUALS LIKE HOW TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET ON HONDA CIVIC OR ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS ON CAVALIERS.I WOULD DEEPLY APPRECIATE IT.DONT MIND TO PAY TO GET IT JUST WANT TO FIND A SITE THAT YOU TRUST.SINCERELY,ROBERT ,AND GREAT QUICK WORK

[@AndrewChhim]

I cant find the green clutch pedal switch harness that you bypassed

[@SanchoSanto]

Where did you get the electrical schematics? I've got a no crank no start on my VW 2002 337. I'm leaning towards a bad ignition switch but I need some good schematics to help with the trouble shoot.

[@christianrobinson4724]

Same no crank new battery , good alternator

[@SanchoSanto]

@@christianrobinson4724 It turned out to be a bad ignition and steering lock mechanism. VW sells them as one piece so I just bought it and changed it. There are some videos on how to do this.

[@CoolAirVw]

Mk3 and cabrio have common issue with ignition switch where they leave the starter cranking while the engine is running and destroying it. seems my two customers who had htis issue couldn't "hear" that this was going on.

[@spelunkerd]

Nice job, Will! Good explanation.

[@davidhidalgo2624]

This video is awesome, only trouble I'm having is finding the tool that you used to remove the collar, little help???

[@skylinegtr2407]

Get one at harbor freight dont use a jaw puller they suck

[@davidhidalgo2624]

@@skylinegtr2407 I ended up grabbing one from autozone. Shit man I bought this 98.5 Jetta with 140k miles for a grand. She had been sitting for 4 years. Snagged the entire fuel system from the rooter to the tooter off a 99 golf at you pull it. Just got the new injectors in last night. She runs like a scalded dog now!

[@isnardogandarilla5497]

nice Job, thank you for the lesson.

[@brandonjay5146]

fixed a 3 series once damn igni switch.. half of the car worked it was the strangest shit heated seats were out vanity mirror lights tail lights

[@joshmccloud6789]

My 03 golf has a no crank no start only when its cold outside. I've done the clutch safety switch new battery everything seems fine until its cold. When it is cold I have all accessories, can hear the fuel pump but no KABOOM lol. Any suggestions? It is perfect at 40 degrees and warmer

[@jeremydavis1267]

Hey mate, did you find the problem?

[@jonathanchaviraruiz7668]

Does this work for 1996 Jetta GL

[@gabrielmachado635]

Nice job! Very well done!

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you for the feedback glad you enjoyed!

[@gabrielmachado635]

I've got the same problem on my peugeot 306(1999), and now i (finally) know how to fix it! I'm very happy with you and as well with your channel. Here in Brazil, this kind of work is expensive( a rip off). Thanks for all!!!

[@robinsonsauto]

your welcome, thanks for the kind words and feedback its appreciated

[@paulmayou370]

great video again car aint doing too bad with mileage its done nice fix

[@rebeccamariano6142]

I went to start my car today and I got no head lights, no accessory and no crank… A little freaked out here batteries brand new… not sure what to do

[@martinguitarhd28]

love the detailed explanations thanks.

[@markferraro5250]

great video Will thanks

[@parker38]

Is it the same an automatic?

[@spiderdad00]

Great video

[@antegas]

Like!!!!! Thnak you Robinson

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you! glad you enjoyed

[@FS-vr8wg]

One of my techs today while diagnosing an abs light, the vehicle wouldn't start. He then checked the battery, it was ok, then checked the fuses. He failed to test them first n now we can't get the vehicle to start at all. Lights come on, but it will not start. Anyone know what we can do. I read it may be something to do with the antitheft

[@tp133]

Did you figure it out?

[@rossfoley5104]

so where is the clutch relay he's connecting to...

[@crasysexykool420]

my shifter in my 2003 VW jetta moves but on the dash it only shows 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears and wont start.

[@estrelladelnorte1308]

nice video!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Great job with the video Will. Can you tell me more about the test light you were using? I am currently diagnosing an intermittent TCM issue on an '06 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L Visually looking for a power/ ground drop out while driving the vehicle as I explained in my last vid. Do you have a vid or link to make that particular test light? Thanks for your help

[@robinsonsauto]

thank you. i made that test light many years ago it uses a 194 nice for a mild load test. i wanted something stubby however could only find LED in that size at that time, while LED's are great for some tests, there not good for load testing, hence my reasoning, i had a small cheap plastic test light that came in remote starter kit, i see them around still, only about 2" long with LED what was nice is it uses a needle point! awsome i took it apart gutted the LED used a Pen tube cut to length soldered up the 194 glued and heat shrink together, its non serviceable lol but has lasted over 5yrs so far

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks. I was thinking of sacrificing a cheap test light. In my latest Ytube video i discuss how Keith at New Auto Level gave me the idea of using a 194 bulb. I have seen you use that test light in many videos for years and thought it was the ugliest thing going, now I see the beauty deep inside it! lol Take care -Glen

[@robinsonsauto]

Ozzstar yea it's not the prettiest thing haha for that it might be easiest to find a donor 194 light socket off a car 😏 perferably from a junk yard, I have a few I sniped off while at the local u pull it junk yard, or I'm sure you can buy one someplace. now for a good tool in your box this little test light is awesome

[@mikesmith9706]

My ignition won't turn on at all

[@capi801]

I really thought the airbag exploded!!

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍👍👍

[@dezblyan5125]

nice

[@meccafastcustoms]

Real mechanics know is a shortcut for this replacement 🤪

[@runkopops7952]

Jhiz Carl how?

[@meccafastcustoms]

His procedure is to replace the entire ignition switch if you only need to replace electrical parts then you need to get to the bolt in the back of the ignition using proper tools to reach the back 11:35 look at it

[@Superpolaco]

You are the fucking man thanks

[@brandonjay5146]

what is this? why? im so confused

[@brandonjay5146]

ford thats fugging ford

[@brandonjay5146]

ya wey i dig that flathead hammer chisel setup good idea ive done on special lug nuts b4 havent thought small scale

[@brandonjay5146]

i broke a cockspring on a toyora corolla one time after putting an engine in what a pain u was happy on my test drive till i hit that big turn

[@aaronchilders9827]

this didnt fix my problem