<billy...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1194093017.6...@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
I don't recall 1997 year Golf's having a re-programmable code for the
security system. The factory security system module is located behind
the dash, and yes it can be easily bypassed by running a jumper wire
over the heavier gauge red and red/black wires. A few ideas as to why
your car doesn't start come to mind providing you have a no crank no
start situation.
Perhaps the battery is defective and/or the cables terminals loose or
corroded.
Your starter itself could be the culprit.
Verify the security system itself is de-activated by unlocking through
the other doors, even the rear hatch.
Could also be a coincidental problem with anything else that effects
starting including the ignition switch itself.
I think it was a factory equiped security system. I live in a rural
area where car thefts are rare. Especially common bread and butter
brands.
In my 95, I just put the key into the driver's door and turn to
unlock.
>As soon as I put the battery in, the lights started flashing and the
>horn honking.
Yes this is what usually happens. You simply need to unlock one of
your doors using the key to disable the factory security system.
That works as long as coincidentally the wires to the doors haven't gone
bad. I once had to open & close the rear doors 5 or 6 times to get the
internally broken wires rearranged so that the car would start. The
harness got replaced that weekend.
BTW, those wires from the B-pillar to the rear doors seem to be the most
prone to breaking. You can pull the hose away from the pillar and
examine the wires. Broken wires, well, are obvious. Any kinks or
'thin' or stretched portions are to be suspected. Sometimes you have to
feel the wires to tell there's a problem. Usually an electrical check
is not needed to find the bad wires. Repairing wires or replacing the
harness depends on where the wires are damaged and how many are damaged.
Mark
'95 Jetta GLS