Volkswagen Repair: starting engine, neutral safety switch, spade terminal

Question
I stopped at a gas station to put fuel in my 1998 passat.  After fueling, I tried starting the car, but to my surprise the car would not start. I turn the ignition swith on, but nothing.
No cranking, no cliking, no sound at all.  The battery is fine, all the lights come on, windows work, radio etc.  I tried jumping the car anyway but still would not start.  I replaced the fuel pump fuse, still would not start.  What could be the problem?

Answer
Rey,
I've never worked on a '98 Passat but it sounds like your solenoid wire (usually red with a female 1/4" spade push on connector) may have fallen off. Most of the time, these terminals just fall apart with age and fall off the solenoid. The solenoid could be bad too which can be verified by jumping a screwdriver from the 13mm nut on the starter (main battery connection) over to the 1/4" male spade terminal on the solenoid. If the starter works (make sure the car's in Park or neutral before testing) then I'd say it's possibly the elecrtical half of the ign. switch. You might want to test your neutral safety switch as well.
Good luck with that!