Starter switch?

[Tac]

When I start my 91 Jetta I have to hold the key in the start position for sometimes up to 5 or more seconds before the starter kicks in. I switched the battery out for a new one (Costco pro rated) and I still got this problem. Although It starts ok after it's warmed up. Anyone else have this problem?

Tom

[TylerDurden]

I'd check the interlock system or the hack on it, if implemented.

[TylerDurden]

ps

You might test the starter with a jumper, but only with the car shifter in neutral. Stay safe.

[Tac]

Is the interlock system the wiring harness on the column? Jumping the starter by putting the key in the on position and jumping from the hot side of the battery to the starter solenoid (in neutral of course)?

Thanks Tom

[Tac]

Did a search on the interlock. Seat belt, good point. When this first started to happen I squirted a little WD40 in there. I'll jump it out to see if that helps. What bugs me is that once it starts it's good until it's parked for a while. Then when you try to start it you need to hold the key in the engage position for about 5, 6 seconds. I really hope it's not the starter switch. I remember a few years ago changing that. Man was that pain! Seemed like I was taking apart the whole dash.

Thanks Tom

[TylerDurden]

Ja, starter switches on the column are a drag.

The key doesn't need to be "on" to jumper the starter for testing... but the tranny MUST be in neutral to not kill you. Check three times.

IIRC, the interlock can be jumpered in the door jamb, but it's been awhile since I read up on it.

[Tac]

Thanks Tyler, if I can find some wire here at work I'll try it try it before I leave.

Tom

[Tac]

The starter jumps fine last night and this morning. Today I'll jump the interlock for the seat belt.

Tom

This morning it wouldn't turn over with the key. While holding the key in the start position I did a pretty good hard wiggle with the safety belt. I could here a click every once in a while. This week end I'll jump out the interlock

Tom

[Tac]

It was the interlock system. You guys were right. What I did is instead of soldering the wires together, I followed the wires to the connector near the fuse box. Then cut the wires behind the connector on the fuse box side. There is a brown wire and a brown wire with a yellow stripe. The brown one has a female blade connector at the end that is connect to a what I think is a grounding block. I took the brown wire with the yellow stripe, put a female blade connector on it and connected it to where I took the brown one off. Cut the blade connector off the brown one and put a piece of electrical tape over it. Works great, starts every time. I'm so happy it's not the starter switch.

Thanks Guys.

Tom

[TylerDurden]

Huzza!

I don't much care for automatic seatbelts of any ilk... they were implemented instead of airbags (which at the time could kill ya, and it seems they still can. But, not in a VW, they don't use Takata ).