QuestionI think the starter went out but not for sure. I have a 1992 Jetta 5 speed. the car doesnt turn over but the battery is good. and it has a newer starter but it looks like there is a wire missing. its on the left of the Solenoid. what wire is suppose to go in that spot?
AnswerBasically, there are 4 connections (numbering is my own):
#1- Battery direct to solenoid(heavy wire)
#2- Solenoid to starter (heavy wire)
#3- Solenoid to ignition (Effectively the battery power to the ignition/everything else, connected to the same terminal #1 above).
#4- Start signal (from ignition) to solenoid. This is the signal used to kick the solenoid, and consequently the starter, when you turn the key.
In some cases there may addtional wires connected to #1 for misc power purposes.
Troubleshooting:
Take the car out of gear.
Set the park brake.
Block the wheels for safety.
Turn off the key and remove.
At the starter, check if you have power to #1 (direct from battery.)
If you do, then jumper #1 to #4 with a regular size wire, say 18 gauge wire.
The starter should kick. Be careful not to touch ground, or sparks will fly.
If it doesn't do anything, the starter and/or solenoid is bad.
If it does spin, there is a problem with the signal from the ignition.
Good luck.
