The car will turn over but won`t start but if I turn the key on and jump the starter it starts

Sounds like the ignition switch has gone kaput. The ignition switch come in two pieces, an electrical switch and a mechanical switch.

The switch electrical portion can be replaced separatly from the mechanical portion (tumbler that the key engages). It is not a real difficult repair but requires some mechanical knowlege of how the column is assembled.

This can be verified with electrical test equipment prior to buying a new electrical switch.

Hi, the likely problem is your ignition switch. There is a separate set of contacts in the switch for powering the ignition when the key is turned to start. Check for power to the coil when the key is turned to start. If no power, replace the switch. Please let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for using FixYa.

The ignition switch is located at the bottom of the ignition key cylinder body. To remove the ignition switch, first remove the ignition lock cylinder.


1995-99 Cabrio, 1993-99 Golf and Jetta

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Center the steering wheel.
3. Remove the air bag.
4. Remove the steering column switches.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
6. Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
7. Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
8. Detach the sheer bolt.
9. Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
10. Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
11. Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
12. Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
13. Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
14. Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
15. While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
16. The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal.