KvilleDerf70

I have a 96 jetta with an inline 4 and manual transmission that just died, no cranking or anything. I figured battery, so i got a jump still nothing not even a crank and not sure where 2 start looking 4 problems.

Doug Tatham

If your battery shorts out, it won't jump start. If the battery is really really dead (usually from a bad alternator) you have to leave it connected to the jumpers for 15 minutes or so before you try to start it. Check your cables and make sure none are loose and they aren't corroded. Put a different battery in temporarily and try to start it. If it starts, take it to an auto parts store and have them check your old battery and your charging system. This should get you started, good luck on the car.

KvilleDerf70

ok i was working on the jetta today i tried 2 jump it again with the same battery, the clock came on and so did the car alarm which didn't want to shut off. i stuck the key in and tried 2 start it. it didn't start and when we removed the cables. the horn faded out and the car lost power again. just wondering if u may no what else 2 do. i don't know where the alarm is at or how to defuse it. i looked at the fuse box and there was nothing there but the horn

Doug Tatham

Here is a link for anyone having starting problems:
http://www.samarins.com/diagnose/index.html

It's pretty useful.
Doug