VW 2001 Jetta won't start after air flow sensor replacement

IHATEMYVW

MEMBER
2001 VOLKSWAGEN

I have a 2001 VW Jetta with nearly 70,000 miles. It hasn't given me many problems, but recently it did not pass smog b/c the check engine light was on. I got that checked out, and they thought the air flow sensor was broken (running lean). They replaced it, and the engine light came back on. I took it back and they showed it running rich, and determined that they put the wrong sensor in. They then replaced that. It has been 5 days and the car has run well (previously, it would almost die after I put it into gear after starting cold). Today, I drove home, parked the car, went out 4 hours later to start it, and nothing happened. The lights turn on fine, everything seems charged, but the starter doesn't turn over. I tried to jump it, and nothing happened (don't know if I jumped it wrong or not). It does "click" when I turn the key, but the starter/crank/engine sound is not there. Its just a quiet mechanical click.

I have no idea what to do. Is this related to the sensor? I appreciate any help I can get. I should heeded the consumer reports reviews of this crappy car!

edited to add: this is a 2.0 L (i think) with an automatic engine.

2 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Apply direct 12v to the starter, does it turn if so check for cut or corroded connectors and wires, if those check out good check the fuses and maybe you need a new ignition switch.

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Sunday, November 11th, 2007 AT 8:20 AM

P1S7OL

MEMBER
45 POSTS

Dude, I feel ya. Please regard my suggestion highly, I should have done the same when I ran into this issue. I had the exact same problems with my jetta. The place to start is the Battery. Dont think that it couldnt possibly be your battery or the cables. I made that mistake. I replaced the starter, ignition switch, ignition relay, alternator, battery, and I was just about to start to disassemble my crankcase for fear of the teeth on the flywheel or therein being stuck, not letting my motor turn over. All I could get was a click sound. The click sound is coming from your starter motor solenoid. Everything comes on, but there is nothing but a click. My problem? Bad/corroded battery cable clamp was fried. Couldnt see it because of its plastic wiring of coarse, but a Digital Multimeter will easily snoop out a short in your ignition system. I mean, its very simple to pull out your battery, check the charge, should be 12V give or take, and unscrew the battery case from your engine compartment, and follow the battery cables to the starter motor, and to the ground and make sure there is nothing cracked, cut, broken, or corroded. Put it all back together and try to crank it again. I am about 90% positive that there is a bad/corroded cable right there somewhere. Let me know what ya find!