I have a '96 VW Jetta GL 2.0L with a manual transmission.

The starter/solenoid (one unit) was just replaced two weeks ago, after it burnt out by never disengaging while the motor was running. I just replaced the ignition switch yesterday, after my radio and heater fan only worked after wiggling the key.

When I turn the key, I can hear the starter just spinning away. It doesn't engage with the engine. After about twenty or so tries, it will engage and start right up, seemingly like regular. Can anybody tell me the problem or how to diagnose it?

Is something wrong with the Ignition Coil/Control Unit?
Is there any kind of neutral safety switch/relay for manual-transmission vehicles, possibly on the clutch pedal? Could that be faulty?

Thats all I have for ideas...any suggestions would be wonderfull. I'd like to be able to actually make it to my first day of work!

Well now, nevermind, I think I figured out my problem. I was going over the wires, tracing them from the starter/solenoid. When I looked really close, I saw that the positive and ground terminals mounted on the solenoid were rather close to each other. Furthermore, I could see a surface that looked like a peice had been cracked off between the two terminals on my "brand new" starter.

I thought, hmmm, maybe the two terminals are arching, thereby reducing the current going to the starter/solenoid, and causing the starter gear not to engage. I adjusted the leads comming off the terminals so they were as far apart as possible.

Car starts fine now. I called the garage and he said he's seen that happen before. So somebody replaced my starter, damn well knew the insulator tab had broken off, and proceeded to send me on my way, with THEIR wallet full of MY money.

If you want something done right, you gotta go it yourself...