I have owned my 1986 VW Jetta GL for almost a year now. I didn't have any problems with it in the beginning. But in the last 3-4 months, everytime I drive it for 30 minutes or more it won't restart once turned off, unless I am jump started. And sometimes not even then.
I have asked every mechanic in town what the problem could be. (They don't like to tell you anything unless they get to fix it.) I still have yet to get an answer.
So I am here on this site..BEGGING and PLEADING for someone to help me! I have read numerous auto repair manuals. But they don't really tell what the problem might be. All I have come up with is, it may be the alternator, or starter solenoid, or the ignition switch or the fan belt, or possibly the regulator.

UGGHHH!! I have no idea what I should go about checking first. Not with all the options given me. Talk about a rat in a maze looking for the cheese..WOW! Could you please narrow down the field?
Oh yeah! I guess I should tell you that YES, I did change the obvious..the Battery! I am not COMPLETELY stupid. Just tremendously confused on where to start looking for what is ailing my car. I don't want to tear out and replace things that aren't necessary. Budget ya know.
I would SO appreciate any help given to me. I promise that if you can help me solve my dilema, I would LOVE you forever!!
Thank You,
KC

Kacey Shear, March 2007

i was a technician for vw-audi and although this may not be your solution to your problem it may help to know that on some models of vw there was something called a spool reader which in laymans terms read the code of your ignition key. i was working on a golf one day when it cut out after a while and would not restart. after changing the spool reader everything worked fine. only problem is kacey its done at a vw garage quite pricey i can tell you. however one track you can go down is having your car put on the vw fault computer knicknamed (vag 1342) this may tell you if your spool reader is at fault if your model has one fitted.

i hope this may of helped in your quest for an answer.
good luck andy.

andy gibbons ex vw-audi technician, March 2008

being the previous owner of the 1986 vw jetta i know of a few more problems related with that KAR, KC. there is a possibility that your brain has malfunctioned, and has for many years. I call it KARMA, you see it's an accumalation of screwed up service of the vehicle, and could be repaired very easily for a fee of lets say 500$. shall I elaborate further? BAD KARMA.

BILL, April 2007

Hi Kacey

I need you to clarify something for me.

You say that the engine will not restart once the car has been driven for 30 mins or so.

Do you mean:-

1. When you turn the key to the 'start' position the starter does not operate at all, (engine not being turned, and no noise from the engine bay), or

2. When you turn the key to the 'start' position, the starter motor operates normally, the engine is turned, but it will not fire, and run normally.

It is essential to know which of these conditions occur in order to be able to offer any advice.

If there is any more info you can add then please do.

Your answers will detirmine whether you need to look for a problem with the starter area or with the engine itself.

Also, what size engine is it, (probably 1600cc). If you are not sure, then have a look on the registration document where you will find the engine number. Quote that number in your reply.

Lee

ps. Where in the world are you BTW?

Lee, March 2007