My '87 Cabriolet has a strange problem. After I have dirven it a long distance especially, but not always, when the weather is hot. It will not crank even though there is current to the starter solenoid. I have replaced the starter. There was no heat shield on the starter. Could this be the problem? After about 1/2 hour it will start as usual. If it need that shield where other than a dealer can I get one. I have tried junk yards with no luck

I have the same problem... No clue why but I did see that vw recalled the vehicle for this problem... no find yet as to the fix... Keep searching

check alldatadiy.com they have recall info and troubleshooters that are more in depth than bentley and hayes books

try waiting a second before you actually turn the key all the way over. turn it to on (feel the car vibrate a little and hear that little sound?) then crank it.