this is a weird one!! 91 jetta......

recently my son changed the steering column on a 91 jetta, this was a swap from a tilt w/ cruise to a straight w/out-reason for change was owner lost keys and had to trash the original to get car home, but they were able to jump it and get it home, plus was driven a few times-by jumping before swap, columns are swapped everything is fine with actual key ignition, unlocks, all lights work, now however the car cranks but wont turn over---I did mention this was weird!!! Being a devote chevy and harley girl, I am not much help on the german thing-all wires look good--my son and I have built some really cool engines before, so we do have alot of knowledge, but this just makes no sense....have sent him over to car to check fuses, fuel pump, spark, as he didnt have the time to yesterday, I just dont see the connection? Is there some wiring that we may have to change because of the switch from cruise to no cruise? thank you for any help offered.

Your computer thinks the car has cruise, and now it doesnt. You might need to get a computer from a car w/o cruise? just a suggestion