98 Jetta not starting - Clutch interlock switch

Just loaned the car to a buddy and now it will not start. I have been have some problem starting (rarely) for some time but it has always started.

Pretty sure it is the clutch interlock switch.

Where is this switch located?

Anyway to start the car with a bad switch - push start?

HELP

It's on the clutch pedal. You can unplug it, and loop a wire between the terminals in the plug.

Thank you so very much!

I didn't know the A3 came with one. My B4 doesn't. Does the starter motor spin?

The clutch interlock started in 1998.

-Jason

Another piece of data to lose in the clutter.....

Thanks for the information.

compu_85 said:

The clutch interlock started in 1998.-Jason

Click to expand...

Actually, my 97 Jetta had one. I did the above procedure when I was chasing a no start. Turned out to be a loose terminal in the alarm module.

PWN, I had a similar problem with my 98 Jetta. I thought for a long time that it was the clutch interlock, but it turned out to be the ignition switch. The key slot in the ignition switch is made of plastic, which wears out and makes it difficult to start. Lots of good info on this site on replacement procedure.

Well I have discovered it is not the clutch interlock.

I did a search and loose or corroded grounds near the battery and on the starter can cause this problem as well as the ignition switch. Thanks for the tip yetimus.

Paramedick - where is the alarm module and is it easy to check??

Guess I am back to trouble shooting.

Problem is, I'm a procrastinator (too many ongoing projects) and the car is easy to push start.

I will check the grounds then order a switch in that order.

Any way to positively ID the ignition switch problem?

Thanks for all the help folks.

Peter

PWN said:

Any way to positively ID the ignition switch problem?

Click to expand...

Sometimes wiggling the key in the switch will allow it to work. If so, switch for sure.

A follow up. As a poster mentioned might be a possibility - the car would not start because of a problem with the alarm module.

I installed a push button and all is well.

On my 98 jetta tdi, I have no power going to the clutch interlock. Advice?
I just changed the ignition switch b/c someone put a relay where it didn't belong. We had no power/lights of any kind. Now lights. No crank. Found no power at clutch interlock.
Thanks.

Are you testing for power at the interlock with the key turned to start? It isn't powered all the time. Have you checked the alarm module?

-J