Hi,
I'm a newby and this is probably a fairly straightforward problem
but, after reading the other articles, didn't see one that
specifically matched.

In a nutshell, my passat won't start anymore.
Symtoms:
-turn key to first position
-->no problem, check lights come on, radio is fine, headlights seem
to have plenty of brightness

-turn key to starter position
-->dash indicator lights flash rapidly and hear a faint fast clicking
noise.

I actually did buy a VAG COM system (v 3.1.1) just coincidentally a
few months back. Ran a scan and came up clean.

Any help is appreciated.

I observed similar things on my 1998 Golf (similar systems). I would get
that fast clicking and some of my dials would quiver. I removed the battery
contacts and cleaned the contacts of corrosion - use a baking soda
solution, rub down the metal contacts with a wire brush or scouring pad.
With the battery contacts making a strong connection, this solved the
problem.

This problem seems electrical in nature. I later found out that there are
other problems (a worn ignition coil - being replaced now) but definitely
check the battery contacts and fuses first.

--
Jem Berkes
www.sysdesign.ca

On Mar 1, 2:03 pm, acyd... (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:
Three quick questions before a SWAG diagnosis:

1. Do you get a click of any kind from within/underneath the car, or
is it just the dashlights that come on?
2. Have you checked the resting voltage of the battery? If so, what is
it? If not, please do. Any cheap VOM set on 0-30 DCV should do it.
3. Did this come on suddenly or was their warning?

The failure modes that will give this result could be anything from a
neutral-safety-switch to a battery that is below threshold voltage.
And lots in between.

In general, mileage and transmission type would help out as well.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA

On Mar 1, 2:03 pm, acyd... (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:
Forgive my spelling in the previous post.... typing too fast.


Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA

I guess I will have to ask the silly questions.
Is the gear selector in 'P' or 'N' or are you fully depressing the clutch
pedal?

Sounds like the starter is not operating. Someone mentioned that it may be
the battery connections, but it could also be the starter, the
cables/connections, the ign. switch, or even the alarm system.
How old is the battery and did you check it like Peter said? I vote that
the battery is bad.

Also put in the Subject line which engine and which transmission that is in
your Passat. ;-)

You are invited to join the Passats group...........
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/passats/join

--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
'91 Passat Sedan 16V auto



<acydgod (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

Bad battery (prob about 6..7years old?). Just not enough power. I'll bet if
you measure it it will show a nice 12.5 volts. Charge it and try again.

SFC

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