Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Passat Won't Crank Q. Hi, I have a 1991 Volkswagen Passat GL, 4 door automatic. The problem is the only way it will start is if you arc it. I had someone look at it, the starter is good, the ignition is good, the solenoid is good. I called a Volkswagen shop and the lady said her daughter is having the same problem, she suggested to check the security alarm, I told her I wasn't sure it had one. She said it was standard. If someone messed with the alarm, chances are that's the problem?????? Help!

A. You called a shop and a lady said her daughter is having the same problem? That, to me, doesn't sound very professional. I would either try another shop or try to locate the problem myself.

Basically the starting system is fairly easy to troubleshoot. I would begin at the starter and work back. With a test light check for power at the small terminal, red/black wire, on the starter. There should be power there with the key in the START position. If there is, then the starter is bad.

If there isn't, we move back to the Neutral Safety Switch. The NSS is located under the shifter assembly. Check for power at the red/black wires there. One should be hot when the key is in the START position and the other hot only in PARK and NEUTRAL, If there is no power when the key is in the START position, we move back to the ignition switch. If there is no power coming out in PARK or NEUTRAL, then the NSS is bad.

At the ignition switch, check for power in at the red wire and power at the red/black wire when the key is in the START position. If there is no power coming in, then you need to check fuses and fusible links. If there is no power when the key is in the START position, the ignition switch is bad.