will not start?

2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
110,000 MILES • 4 CYL • MANUAL
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DROBINS11
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I was given the car listed above because the previous owner was having trouble. It appeared to have been a rundown battery, so they put in a heavy duty one, but the car seems to have a phantom drain. I charged the battery, and it seems to hold a charge. They had lost the key, so today I got it back from the locksmith and tried to start it. nothing. turning the key to the start position does not get it to crank. lights and nothing seem to work. I am at a loss as to where to begin.

Crank sensor?
battery ground cable?
stater solenoid?
electrical problem?
a sensor somewhere?
Jun 26, 2023 at 7:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When you say lights and nothing seem to work, does anything electrical work? For example, do the brake lights work or the radio turn on? Does the dome light turn on when you open the door?

Let me know. Also, let me know how quickly the battery drains. Here is a link that you may find helpful as well. It describes how to locate a parasitic electrical draw.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know.

Joe
Jun 26, 2023 at 4:01 PM
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