The car is a 1989 100 quattro, manual with the 2.3L I5 non turbo engine. It's been getting cold here, so it's been hard to get it to start sometimes, would crank really slowly when it's really cold out, but has always started in the past. The other day I went to start it up and it won't start. When I go to start it, all the dash lights dim, I hear no noises or clicks, and the engine doesn't turn over at all. The battery reads a good level of charge on the gauge, but I tried to jump it anyways and it still had the same problem, so I think the battery is fine. It can be started if I push start it, so I'm thinking the starter is probably dead? There's also no abnormal warning lights that light up on the dash.

Short version: Car doesn't crank, lights dim but hear no sounds, battery seems fine and a jump doesn't work but it can be push started.

Before I go and replace the starter, is there anything else anyone can think that I can check?

Thanks a lot,
Joe

 

stupid question, there is oil in this car right?

sounds to me like your starter is burned up.. you say you dont hear any noise when you turn the key? not even the starter relay? its very possible that the starter relay is at fault as well...

 

Sounds more like you have a wiring related issue. When you tried to jump start it, did you connected the negative cable tothe battery or to the engine block? If it would have started right up if connected to the block, you know where the problem is - its your ground cable.
Best thing to do, as you read with every older car and electical issue, unplug everything one by one, clean it, remove any dust, rust, dirt and use die electric grease. Will prevent future problems and ensures a better connection.

 

yep ill go for the starter motor if it can be jump started, voltage in the battery is only part of reading the battery state and cranking amps count for more so if it turns slowly chances are the cranking amps are down but you still have all the dash lights working

edit: it might also be a good idea to check all the wires to the starter motor first