Will not crank

Tiny
ACEMAV
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,000 MILES
I drove it for a few days after buying it from an aircraft (jumbo jet) mechanic who works on his own vehicles as well (Audi's and VW's). He said that he ran a computer diagnostic before selling it to me. There where no problems but a sensor in the exhaust system that may replacement. The last day I turned the car off the headlights stayed on, and drained the battery. When starting it the next morning it cranked twice, then nothing, all lights and radio working. I tried briefly jumping it an no crank, I charged the battery at Autozone. Still not cranking. Meanwhile when I turn the key the radio lights up, and the headlight remain on without the key in the ignition and will not turn off with the headlight switch. What is the most probable issue with my car? I am not going to spend more money I do not have repairing anything that costs more than I paid for it.
Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 AT 6:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Hello,

Does it seem like the headlights are draining the battery down keep the engine from cranking over? If so there is a headlight relay that could be bad.

Here is a guide that should help us get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Also check the switch to make sure it is turning off. Use a test light to confirm.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, August 12th, 2017 AT 6:49 PM

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