Coldblooded

Hi all...

I recently purchased a 1990 Jetta, which ran, but now after replacing the starter I can't get it to start again and everything leads me to believe that the fusible link is burnt. So...just a quick question that I hope someone can help me with:

Where is the fusible link in the starting circuit on a 1990 Jetta?

1.8L 8v, 5sd, a/c, blah, blah, blah

I've checked wiring diagrams and cannot for the life of me find it...

Maybe I'm just slow.

Thanks in advance.

NOTORIOUS VR

There might be two positions on the solenoid of the starter... check to see if u put it on the right one...

Coldblooded

Hi, thanks for the reply... I've been away for a while.

There are two contacts on the solenoid, and yes I am using the correct one. I believe

What I am wondering is: Is the fusible link on the positive battery lead that runs to the solenoid?

For some reason I get the feeling I might have to replace the engine...

Thanks for your help.

Mike

NOTORIOUS VR

there is no fuse between the starter and the ignition switch...

the only other thing I can think of is that u'r ignition switch went bad.. which is common on older VW's...

Coldblooded

hmmm, i'll have to check that out tomorrow, thanks...

Mike

rabbitman

iTrader: (3)

If you want to check the crank to see if it's seized, IIRC, it's a 19mm deep socket. You'll need a powerbar too. I highly doubt the motor's seized.

NOTORIOUS VR

yep... it's a 19mm... but it's a 12 point.

Coldblooded

Well, I don't think the engines siezed, which is probably good...

I was actually hoping I'd just have to replace the motor.

I think i've got a short somewhere... the battery was fine, but now it's drained. I hate electrical work!!

I don't wanna take the dash apart!!

I have a feeling.


Mike

Graffs

this might sound stupid, but I had a '90 Golf a long time ago and a problem I once had was that there was no heat shield over the starter. Since it was mounted behind the engine a wire kept touching part of the exhaust system and it melted. So, incase you haven't looked at it try it out...

rabbitman

iTrader: (3)

What VW had the starter on the back? Must have been an auto?

Coldblooded

My jetta is 5 speed. My starter is on the front of the engine, just behind the rad fan. Thanks for the attempt, though. Appreciated.

If I turn the key over I should have a hot wire going to my solenoid, right?

I only have two wires going to my starter for god sake... one that is about a 16-18 guage from the ignition and one that is my positive battery lead... Damn frustrating! Maybe my rebuilt starter is no good!

Grrrr! Should have just fixed my integra...

Michael

Graffs

YUP it was auto...
I don't know what else to say without knowing more about the problem...Does the car turn and not start or do absolutely nothing at all?
Are you getting spark?
Is that ignition wire lighting up when you turn the key??

Coldblooded

When I turn the key over nothing happens any more. No clicking of the solenoid, nothing. I'm beginning to run out of thing to check...

Michael

NOTORIOUS VR

Did you check the ignition switch like I told you to?

Turn on the ignition, and put 12V to the starter/solenoid directly (bypassing the switch. compleatly)... if it works, then u'r ignition switch is ****ed (which happens a lot on older VW's)

redcarpet

This may sound stupid but I've had this problem and it cost me a starter

The wire from the battery to the starter was a piece of
It looked ok but wasent
After I change it the car started
it goes from the positive termenal to the solenoid
make sure you clean all the contacts after changing it A good way to test is to use jumper cables give it a try let me know