2003 1.8T wont start

[ZZxer02]

Hi, I have a 1.8T with 171,000 on it. It has been serviced regularly and has had very few problems. The timing Belt was replaced less than 40,000 miles ago. It was pulled into a parking space and was running fine, no signs of problems. 5 hours later it will not start. All the lights work, windows roll down, no dimming lights.. Will not jump start. Electric water pump cycles on and off. There is no action at all from the starter... I popped the cover open enough to look at timing belt...it was on and tight...a little off to the left but easily on the pulley... looks in good shape. Not sure what to do...Thanks for any help, Larry

[IndyTom]

So you are saying there is no response from the starter so it isn't cranking, right?!

My guess then would be to replace the starter.

[ZZxer02]

Hi, Thanks...Yes it does not even click... Was thinking of rolling it down the hill to jump it off...but was afraid it is the timing belt and that would be bad... I had it looked over in Nov. by a VW mechanic due to the high mileage and he was impressed with how good of shape its in. Thanks for the quick reply. Larry

[tech16024]

ignition switch, nuetral safety lockout switch, starter?
I dont think you can pop start a NB

[haroldp]

Check fuses on top of battery

[ZZxer02]

Checked those...they are fine. The VW dealer said there is a Wire that goes to the fuse box that burns up sometimes. Don't begin to know where to look for that.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by ZZxer02

Hi, Thanks...Yes it does not even click... Was thinking of rolling it down the hill to jump it off...but was afraid it is the timing belt and that would be bad... I had it looked over in Nov. by a VW mechanic due to the high mileage and he was impressed with how good of shape its in. Thanks for the quick reply. Larry

Very doubtfull it is the timing belt since it would still turn over. Plus you said you looked at the timing belt and it is still in one piece. I bet it is either the starter or the voltage regulator which is built into the starter. Logical step is to replace the starter and see what happens.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by ZZxer02

Checked those...they are fine. The VW dealer said there is a Wire that goes to the fuse box that burns up sometimes. Don't begin to know where to look for that.

It is the wire that comes off the starter and connects to the fuse box on top of the battery. It is a low quality wire and is the main cause for those fuses on top of the battery to melt. Now you checked the metal fuses as well as the plug in fuses, right? Well, if you open that flap to inspect the fuses you would know if any of them are burned out or not. Very easy to spot.

Did you have the battery checked yet? I know you tried to jump start it but did you actually test the battery?

[ZZxer02]

Thanks for all your help...I checked the wires and they seemed fine on the battery end...not sure where they end...Its a brand new battery bought in August, interstate battery...12.3 volts...The Fuses all looked good. I don't have the money to pay the dealer to fix it...so have to figure it out myself.

[IndyTom]

Retrace the wire coming off the alternator going to the battery fuse box. That is the wire that causes the most problems.

[IndyTom]

Here is a list on Parts Geek for New and Remanufactured Alternators. The rebuilt ones are a lot cheaper and probably are okay. The new ones will run between 250 and 300+ dollars. I am not 100% sure but I think you need a 120 amp alternator.

02 2002 Volkswagen Beetle Alternator - Engine Electrical - Bosch, Valeo, Beck Arnley, Denso, USA Industries, MPA - PartsGeek

Here is a Link to a Alternator Swap DIY

Alternator Swap DIY

Here is a brand New Bosch OEM 90amp Alternator on Amazon for about 118 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Alternator-Vol.../dp/B002UZHQIW

[esse10]

Originally Posted by ZZxer02

Hi, I have a 1.8T with 171,000 on it. It has been serviced regularly and has had very few problems. The timing Belt was replaced less than 40,000 miles ago. It was pulled into a parking space and was running fine, no signs of problems. 5 hours later it will not start. All the lights work, windows roll down, no dimming lights.. Will not jump start. Electric water pump cycles on and off. There is no action at all from the starter... I popped the cover open enough to look at timing belt...it was on and tight...a little off to the left but easily on the pulley... looks in good shape. Not sure what to do...Thanks for any help, Larry

Could be something obvious like the switch in the clutch pedal, might want to check and make sure that is making contact. Good luck fellow newbeetle member. BTW nice little blue car.

[Moncier]

There is also a relay that can go bad...did you get a code?

[ZZxer02]

Hi, sorry having some medical problems spent a few days in the hospital. I did not get a code. Everything seems to work correctly just will not start. I am at a loss and too poor to pay someone to fix it.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by ZZxer02

Hi, sorry having some medical problems spent a few days in the hospital. I did not get a code. Everything seems to work correctly just will not start. I am at a loss and too poor to pay someone to fix it.

Hope you are doing better and it was nothing serious!

Where are you located? Can't tell since I don't think you filled out your profile and location.

Perhaps there is an Orger in your area that might be able to lend a hand?

Good Luck to you and Get well soon!

[IndyTom]

Not sure why I listed links for alternators. It is more than likely your starter or voltage regulator on the starter. Here is a brand new starter for around a hundred bucks:

PartsTrain.com - Hard to Find Auto Parts and Truck Parts -

Have you tried to jump start your car? Was there any response from the starter at all? clicking, buzzing? Any signs of life?

[tech16024]

I too wish people would put where they're from - I've got an 01 parts car that if someone was close enough to come pull the part (assuming it wasn't something I need) I'd probably sell based on thier ability to pay
It's to cold (for me at least) to go pull parts.

[Bratgirl]

Originally Posted by tech16024

I too wish people would put where they're from - I've got an 01 parts car that if someone was close enough to come pull the part (assuming it wasn't something I need) I'd probably sell based on thier ability to pay
It's to cold (for me at least) to go pull parts.

Good idea to post your location...what's yours? It doesn't show up there in the corner.

[Smileybug]

Originally Posted by tech16024

I too wish people would put where they're from - I've got an 01 parts car that if someone was close enough to come pull the part (assuming it wasn't something I need) I'd probably sell based on thier ability to pay
It's to cold (for me at least) to go pull parts.

No location on your profile


And Indy, first post says it won't jump start.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by tech16024

I too wish people would put where they're from - I've got an 01 parts car that if someone was close enough to come pull the part (assuming it wasn't something I need) I'd probably sell based on thier ability to pay
It's to cold (for me at least) to go pull parts.

You're not doing as you preach No location on you either