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1998 Jetta won't start - inhibitor cct?

Hi all - just picked up a 1998 Jetta K2. In getting it ready for an Ontario "safety inspection", I was working on the drivers side power window (unsuccessfully). The Haynes manual listed a fuse 6 as 'fuse for electric windows'. I pulled the fuse; it was OK. Right after that, the car wouldn't start. Turning the key to start gives me a relay 'buzzing' noise from the fuse block area, and the gear shift indicator display goes from P to R. Switching the key right off then on 'resets' the shift display back to park. About one in 10 tries, the starter will briefly (1/2 second or so) turn, then the whole R indication, buzzing relay thing. I noticed in the Haynes manual that there is a 'starter inhibitor relay and reversing light relay beside the window fuse I was checking out. Does anyone know where I can get more information on this inhibitor cct? Also, can anyone with a Bentley manual tell me if this is covered? The Haynes manual is, imho, crap. Thanks for your advise and opinions, AndyC.

Reply to
wally.londo
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Fuse 6 is actually the A/C blower fan fuse (30a green). The power windows use circuit breakers.

Try turning your key to the start position, and wiggling it up and down. Could very well be an (unrelated) problem with your ignition switch by the description of your complaint.

Reply to
Madesio

Does your alarm arm and disarm? I suspect wiring to the doors might be causing you issues with the windows and the alarm starter cutoff. Not sure though.

Bentley $44.07 with free shipping

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Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

Thanks for the response.

I found the trouble after work today - a power connector on a circular distribution hub came slightly loose when I dropped the fuse panel. Couldn't see it at all, found it while re-checking every blessed connection in the vicinity of the fuse holder. So, car starts perfectly. Embarrassed and relieved.

The windows are another matter. There are voltage and control signals at the regulator; there is a relay-type clicking noise when I operate the driver and passenger door window controls. The door wiring seems OK as I now have the lock ccts working properly (albeit sluggishly). The driver and passenger windows are stuck in the fully up position, and I don't know how to manually drop them a bit to loosen the window clamps. I am hoping to take the regulator assembly out and give it the once-over. Anyone have a suggestion other than my frustration-fed remedy of taking a rock to the glass ('cause it won't pass a safety that way...)?

Madesio, you mention there is a cct breaker for the window regulators

- does you or does anyone know if it is resettable (ie pushbutton), and if so, where it is?

Thanks again to all, AndyC.

Reply to
wally.londo

Well getting it to start is very important! lol Congrats to you!

Did you try lowering the windows with the door lock and the key? Hold the door lock in the unlock position for 20-30 seconds and see if any windows go down.

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

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