Car will not start

Tiny
CRIS VIOLETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Started car and drove into the garage to change headlights. When I was finished the car now will not start. Lights and blinkers work. There is no power getting to the starter solenoid. I tested the ignition and I seem to have power coming out of the back of the starter. When I put the key in the start position it transferred power to a red with black striped wire. What can it be?
Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 AT 10:28 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
So when you turn the key, you are seeing power get to the starter, correct? If so, then I would suspect either the battery is too weak to actually turn the starter or that the starter is bad.

So try jumping it. If you still cannot get it to start, then you will need to test them properly. I would start with removing the battery and taking it to the local auto parts store and have them check it. If it comes back as being fine, then you will have to remove the starter and have it tested at the parts store. They run these tests for free and they are good, reliable tests.

You can also try the backyard trick of tapping on the starter with a blunt object (preferably a rubber mallet) while someone else turns the key. Sometimes that will break the brushes inside the starter loose and allow it to turn. This is a *very* temporary fix.
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
CRIS VIOLETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I don't have power at all to the solenoid power wire.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Have you checked your fuses and relays? A blown fuse or burnt relay could be the problem.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,756 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide and a starter wiring diagram to help you see where you are losing power.

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

Also is the security light flashing when you try and crank it over?

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 AT 10:59 AM

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