1996 Jetta Not Starting

[KevlarB]

Ok, here is the story. On saturday I had to drive thru a big puddle to get into my apartment complex. Car died. Tried starting it, click, nothing. Again, click, nothing.. Went out got a new starter (old starter, I assumed was dead cause Kragen couldn't test it and i couldn't turn it by hand, and the new starter you could.) Installed the new starter (not the bushing) and charged the battery. Again, click, nothing. I pulled the spark plugs before all this and checked to see if there was any water in the cylinders, stuck a rod down there, and it came out bone dry all 4 cylinders (which leads me to think it is not hydro-locked)... Any ideas on what is up and why this car won't start.. I need it to get to work. Work 30 miles away, only form of transportation.

[veedubmechanic]

you sure the battery isnt dead?

check all the fues also fuses in engine bay

try wiggling key in ignition to start (if it starts you need a new ign switch)

[ctuagent117]

sounds like an alternator problem. is the engine turning over? do you hear a slight whinning?

[dapremeir]

my 96 did the same thing, could be either disributer cap, D.C. cap roter, or ignition coil. have someone try to turn it over, if you see sparks...then it might be the same problem i had

[ongi]

i have the same problem too, the car died when i was goin thru a puddle of watter, but started after a couple of hours.