MKIII No Crank Diagnosis

MKIII Jetta/Golf No Crank Diagnosis

"When I turn the key nothing happens!!"

This "how to" assumes you have some basic tools, and safety gear. Safety glasses
should be worn at all times when working with tools and automotive fluids. Always
use a hydraulic jack and safety stands when lifting or getting under a vehicle. If you
are unsure on where to safety lift your vehicle, refer to its owners guide. Batteries
contain acid, and high current. Severe electrical and cheimcial burns may result from
imroper battery testing, diagnosis, removal, or service. The writer of this how to
assumes zero liability in how to use this guide, or any damages that may come from it
to you, your property, or others and others property. If you are uncertain at any point,
refer to a qualified automotive technician. Dispose of all waste materials based on
your local laws.

The 2.0 starter is located on the transmission at the front of the engine. Open the hood, and look at the
battery, look to the left of the battery in the engine bay. You will need a volt-ohm meter and test light to run
these tests. All tests are done on the 12 V DC scale.

1993-1995 Starter Schmatic

1996-1999 Starter Schmatic

1 - Measure the voltage of the battery at the center of terminals.

Is it 12 volts or higher?

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MKIII No Crank Diagnosis

Yes, go to step 2

No - Charge and test the battery.

Batteries last about 5 years, how old is yours? To find your batteries age, this example.
Find a sticker on the battery, its a small sticker with a letter and a number like so;
A/7 A=January / 7 = 1997'

A fully charged battery should read 12.8 volts. A 50% charged battery will read 12.2 volts, and a dead
battery reads 12 volts or below.

2 - Measure the voltage from clamp, to clamp on the battery

Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as step 1?

Yes, to step 3

No - Clean the battery terminals. Clean the terminals and make sure they are tight.

3 - Measure the voltage from the battery (+) terminal to the block of the engine. (must be bare
unpainted metal)

Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as step 1?

Yes, to step 4.

No - Check or replace ground battery cable, and points on the block, and body where the cable is bolted

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MKIII No Crank Diagnosis

down.

4 - Measure the voltage from the battery (-) terminal to the large terminal end on the starter.

Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as step 1?

Yes, to step 5.

No - Check or replace ground positive cable, and points on the starter where the cable is bolted down.
Make sure to disconnect battery when servicing this cable, it is “hot” at all times. PIN 1 SHOWN
BELOW

5 - Unplug the small single wire connector off the starter (the plug that goes into pin 3). Using a
test light, ground one end of the test light to the engine block (must be bare unpainted metal), and
put the probe of the test light into the plug you took off of the starter. Ensure battery is hooked up
for this test.

Have an assistant turn the engine to the CRANK or START position.

Does the test light - light up when the key is turned to the CRANK or START position?

Yes, to step 6

No - Automatic Transmission
Check to make sure car is in park.
Check Trans Range Switch, attempt to start car in Neutral
Make sure factory alarm is not active and beeping. (96’-99)
Check Anti-theft relay (Relay 53, position 21) (96’-99)
Ensure Factory radio is installed, or bypassed (96’-99)
Check Ignition switch for failure.
Check Park Relay in Fuse Box

No - Manual Transmission
Check to make sure clutch depressed to floor. (96’-99)
Check Ignition switch for failure.
Make sure factory alarm is not active and beeping. (96’-99)

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MKIII No Crank Diagnosis

Check relay (Relay 53, position 21) (96’-99) (upper right of fuse box)
Ensure Factory radio is installed, or bypassed (96’-99)

Step 6 - Ensure battery is hooked up for this test.

Ensure keys are out of the ignition and that the car is in neutral or park! If the car is in gear, any
gear, or in drive, it will RUN YOU OVER! Make sure parking brake is set!

Using a fused 30amp jumper wire jump power from the small pin on the back terminal of the starter
(where you tested it in step 5), and jump power to the large terminal on the starter.
(JUMP PIN 1 to PIN 3)

(drawing not by me..)

The starter should crank the engine. There will be a good spark as current is sent to the starter.

Did the starter crank the engine?

Yes - Your car does not have a cranking issue; it has a no-start issue, check for fuel, spark, timing,
and compression.

Yes, but it cranks slowly, or made a funny sound. - Check battery voltage again or engine
mechanical starter or engine defect.

No - Replace starter.

Home

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