1998 VW Jetta won't start - no fire, no gas

you can rule out the alarm, because it wouldn't crank over.

Whirls would be a word that might be used for a starter spinning without the engine turning over, but I expect the mechanic would have figured that out.

I don't know what might shut off gas and spark, but would let the engine crank. A fuse or two? That speculation is not based on actual knowledge.

Try locking the driver's door with the key, and then unlocking with the key.

Stock alarm system and a 2.0L engine?

Timing Belt Broke!

Have your mechanic check that out!

Donations cheerfully accepted! lol

Got if fixed - was ignition coil - thanks to all for advice! Eleanor

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote in news:1174481049.518639.289120 @y66g2000hsf.googlegroups.com:

Had the exact same thing happen to my 1998 Golf. After the ignition coil was replaced, also noticed a related corrosion problem with the ignition cables. Under wet weather conditions, was still getting the occasional misfire which could escalate into trouble starting.

So you might want to check those cables, either coat them with a spray (e.g. silicone spray) or just replace them along with spark plugs.

I feel an urge to state the obvious: the bad coil was not preventing gas from getting to the cylinders.