2000 VW Golf 1.8T manual no-crank issue after clutch master cylinder replacement
The car has full dash power, fuel pump primes, headlights work, etc., but when turning the key to START the starter does absolutely nothing, no click or crank.
Here’s what I’ve checked so far:
- Battery fully charged (~12.5V)
- Engine/trans ground voltage drop test is good (~0.13V during crank attempt)
- Large starter terminal has constant 12.5V
- Clutch safety switch bypassed with jumper pin
- Relay 53 tested good with relay tester
- Fuel pump primes normally
-Dash stays powered while attempting to crank
Important voltage readings:
- Starter trigger wire only gets about 1.87V during START
- Relay 53 coil side only gets around 7V max during START
At this point I’m thinking either:
- ignition switch electrical portion
- damaged/high resistance START circuit
- relay socket issue
- wiring issue between ignition switch and starter relay
Does this sound like a failing ignition switch on a MK4? And what would be the next best test to confirm it before replacing parts?