Why doesn't it start?

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category.

Ignition doesn't have a relay.

https://www.google.com/search?q=1998+Volkswagen+Cabriolet.+Where+is+ignition+relay

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be more specific.... if theres no dash lights when u turn key in on then its the main fuse under hood. if it turns over and wants to start could be ur ecm/ ignition module , ( if theres coils pretty sure its feul injected ur ecm,/or ignition module would be ur coil packs). when u turn the key in on u hear any kind of noise under trunk might take two people for that if not ur feul pump

Sounds to me like you have a broken linkage from your ignition tumbler to your ignition switch. It is a plastic "arm" that pushs.pulls a metal tab on your ignition switch.

Could be a number of things but may want to begin by checking wiring to starter, battery, or even the ignition switch. These components may not turn your engine light on.

Take a test light to the small wire on the starter and have someone turn it to the start position. If the light lights up and the engine doesn't turn over, I would suspect the starter itself. If the test light doesn't light, try it in neutral and repeat test. If it still doesn't light up, it may be the PRNDL switch or the ignition switch itself.

any real answer yet? did the problem ever get resolved? i have the same problem with my sister's car. too cold to diagnose tonight, but will post the solution probably tomorrow. since the lights and heater works, but ignition and radio arent getting power, my first guess is there's probably a fried fusible link which controls the 2nd accessory power to the ignition switch. will post a solution soon.

Switch on head lights or cabin light. If they doesn't come on or is weak, the battery is flat. Ensure that you switch off the lights.
With ignition switched on, assuming the lights on the instrument panel cames on and your immobiliser is deactivated, turn ignition to start. You should hear the solenoid at the starter making a click sound. If not, the battery is flat or the starter solenoid is faulty. If it does make a click sound, the battery could be too low to turn the starter or the starter is faulty. Assuming the immobiliser is working correctly, and the starter tries to turn the engine but it doesn't want to turn, the gasket could be blown and the cylinder filled with water, or the engine could be seized.
Hope it is not the last case. MarioCpt

Bad ignition switch

They have a bad ignition problem. Its more than likely the ignition. Turn the key on, Then right below the ignition theres a hole. take a long skinny phillips screw driver and push it up through the hole and you will hit a release for the ignition. Push it up as you pull the ignition out. Then try to start the car with a flat head screwdriver. Write back if that doesn't work but i have a feeling it will.

Do you have any check engine lights on? Is your anti-theft light flashing? If so, put key in igniton, turn to on (NOT START) leave in on position for EXACTLY 10 MINUTES
As SOON as theft light turns off, try to start.

There is a problem with your key.