Hello, [] Hope someone can help. I purchased a 1994 Cabrio about 5 months ago. Everything fine until now. The starter motor was starting to crank slower and slower over the past few days, and finally would not turn over at all. A friend says I need a new starter, and the tow truck driver said its probably a factory alarm. There might have been an aftermarket alarm installed (LED lights installed in dash), but no brain, or leads coming off of battery cable. Would the starter just freeze, or could it be some sort of immobiliser? Please help !!!
Thanks,
ISLANDSTYLE

 

Read the other post. Thank you.

 

Engine cranking slower and slower tends to be a battery or alternator. Get the car running and check alternator voltage. It should be at least 13 if its not you need a new alternator. Otherwise replace the battery.

 

The car wont start at all. all the dash lights come on, and I even tried jump starting. I turn the key, and nothing happens. Any other ideas? I don't want to have it towed to a shop, and pay those high labor charges...

 

so have you check the battery?? is it holding power if below 12 volts its dead, it also might be the ignition switch

 

also does the immobiliser LED go off when the key is in?? if not you need VAG to reset it

 

The battery is fine. What would i be looking for in the ignition? I read another post that someone has the little "key" light in the dash, but I checked mine, and no such light.

 

when you lock the doors does the LED flash?? the KEY in the dash symbol is the chip in the KEY, how did you check the battery and what voltage is it reading

 

a quick test is to replace the battery with a good one then check the voltage from the alternator which should read 13+ volts with engine running

 

No, the LED does not flash. It was an aftermarket install by PO. I checked the battery with one of those portable jumpstarters, and it read close to 14. My key is an older "AH" with no chip. The ignition did stick a couple of times before, but hasn't happened in a while. I would have to actually turn the key back a little bit, or the starter would keep cranking.