Any VW mechanics in the jungle?

[-MG-]

After replacing the thermostat, water pump, and overflow tank in my 1996 Jetta (2.0) and putting everything back together, I now have these bizarre symptoms:

The car turns over, but will not start. After 10-15 tries (some while jumped, some not), it finally caught and the engine stumbled a bit, then settled into its normal rhythm. After a minute or two, I shut off the car and tried to start it again with no luck. Eventually I got it started again, and let it run for 15-20 minutes… After I shut it off that time (with it still hot), it fired right up. No idea if it will start cold now, we’ll see in the morning.

The parking brake light is lit on the dash, even though the brake is not on. Because of this, the headlights won’t turn on.

The interior fans (heating/cooling) will not turn on in any of the 4 positions.


The only thing I can think of that I did out of the norm is that I put a hose up to the heater core lines to make sure they weren’t clogged, and naturally some of the water splashed in the engine compartment due to that… maybe I shorted something out? But if so, what could cause all of the above symptoms? Also, the battery was unplugged for about 1.5 days.

I’ve glanced at all the fuses, and manually pulled and inspected #’s 6 (Fresh Air Blower, A/C) , 18 (Fuel Pump (FP), Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Control Module), and 19 (Coolant Fan, A/C Relay). I also checked the distributor cap to ensure it was dry.

Aside from overheating, the car had no issues before I replaced the above parts. Any ideas or other things to check before I give in and take it to a mechanic?

[Vorb]

I can't get the thought out of my head to check your ground.

As I read your description it kept repeating - this sounds like either a
loose ground or...

As to the interior lights, dunno.

If you have a multimeter & a Chilton's, you can start from the battery
& work back.

That sucks Chris - hope you fix it without too much more

[-MG-]

Thanks for the encouragement. After about 7 hours of research and testing things, I finally found (and fixed!) the problem.

$10 ignition switch... go figure. Sooo.. I just spent the better part of 2.5 days fixing what amounted to $19 in parts (plus a new water pump and overflow tank for good measure).

I hate cars.


Tonight my only 1926 Maddy #9 meets its fate!