[neil4444]

I have a 2003 1.8 american automatic that sat for over a year outside that wont start. The interior lights and headlights work and I tested the battery and its fully charged.It wont turn over and is just silent, no clicking or anything. What should I look at next, please help, thanks.

 

[4zfed]

The starter pulls so many amps, I would check the battery and engine grounds.

 

[neil4444]

I took it to autozone, they tested it and said it was good

 

[neil4444]

Is there a security lock on these cars that wont let me start it?
I dont have a manual.

 

[4zfed]

Security system (immobilizer) quickly shuts off engine if a non-paired key is used. In your case though, the engine doesn't crank at all.

Check that there is 12 volts at the starter. If so, next check that there is power in the solenoid "trigger wire" when you turn the key.

 

[Hirnbeiss]

Sounds like it could be wiring or ignition switch, but you need to chase it down. Search the forum. Here are some threads to get you started.

https://www.passatworld.com/forums/b5-garage/432370-2001-passat-no-start-no-crank.html

https://www.passatworld.com/forums/...ussion/459834-car-wont-turn-over-bad-ccm.html

 

[neil4444]

Is there any good youtube videos would show these step by step, https://www.passatworld.com/forums/b5-garage/432370-2001-passat-no-start-no-crank.html, I am afraid I am a novice when it comes to electrical troubleshooting.

 

[Passatfan2]

I have a 2003 1.8 american automatic that sat for over a year outside that wont start. The interior lights and headlights work and I tested the battery and its fully charged.It wont turn over and is just silent, no clicking or anything. What should I look at next, please help, thanks.

There is not such thing as a "2003, 1.8, american" unless it is not a VDuv.

 

[neil4444]

sorry I dont speek passat nerd. I am new, I mean sold in america amv engine code or something.

 

[Iowegian]

We're all Passat nerds here on this bus so you'll have to get yourself educated a bit

Your engine is probably an 'AWM' which will be engraved on a tab on the head that is easily visible from the top. That's probably not important for this case but do try to be specific and precise going forward as it will help with the diagnosis.

And +1 on the ignition switch. Another possibility is the transmission switch which will disable the starter if it isn't in P.

Did the car run before it sat? Any other history that could be relevant?

 

[neil4444]

Sorry Im a bit frustrated with this insane german electrical system. Yes it stared and ran fine before it sat. I noticed mice nests in the hood, maybe they chewed on some wires? Will a starter go bad if it just sits? Can we do a started test on the starter relay by a jump wire on spots 30 and 87. Or will that not work because of the security key nonsense?

 

[Iowegian]

Mice love to chew on wires, I'd start with that. A starter could possibly develop a 'dead spot' on the rotor after sitting for a long time but in that case you should still get a 'click' when you turn the key from the solenoid engaging.

 

[djolecar]

Starter. If it was sitting and water pouring might have corroded the blue red starter wire going to comfort control module. Gotta measure the voltage

 

[LineInTheWater]

Starter. If it was sitting and water pouring might have corroded the blue red starter wire going to comfort control module. Gotta measure the voltage

That's a pic that all Passat owner's dread.

 

[vwdoc1]

AFAIK here are some of the possible issues why the starter will not operate:
Battery and all connections at the battery posts
Starter/Wiring (starter energizer wire might also have a connector over the transmission)
Ignition Switch
Alarm
Convenience Control Module (look for water on the driver's floor and any corroded wiring)
Starter interlock Relay or wiring at the transmission (Hmmm does this also have a fuse?)
*Did you try it with the transmission selector in N and P?
Locked Engine (I hope not)

Lock and unlock the driver's door with the key and try to start the engine. (Alarm)
If no.....Make sure the engine freely turns over by hand.
if yes.... then energize the starter at the starter solenoid and be careful! If it works then the engine should start and then you can test more components.
I like to work from the suspected component and work back to find the problem.
Report back!