1997 VW Jetta GL wont start

its probably your starter. thats what happened to my car. also check your battery to make sure its not dead.

A standard tranny can get stuck in gear while in reverse position, like somebody slammed it into second and the linkage hit reverse instead. Could be minor, then again, It could be major. I hope it is a standard you are talking about, If it is automatic, then no, there is no switch or fuse for this, it has shift solenoids in the valve body that do the shifting, mostly electric now days, a ground wire off could cause this but I doubt it. I would get a hold of the seller and give him back his car. Hope this helps, Tranny work is $1200 minimum.

I was sold a VW Jetta, that seems to be having some transmission problems. Shifting is not done effeciently. Therer are 102,000 miles on the vehicle. As I read the site, I understand that there is no area to put transmission fluid, Does that mean that I have to replace the entire transmission. How much would that cause me?

If you Google for VW forums or user clubs you might get a good one with even step by step photos.

Timing belt.

It is probably the clutch slave cylender, leaking fluid, add brake fluid and bleed the system and check for leaks then replace whatever is leaking, sometimes it leaks onto the floor of the car under the pedal.

Reconnect starting with positive then negative.

mass airflow sensor, is a common problem when that happens, i have a buddy who had a 93 eagle summit that did the same thing as your jetta

you should start by checking your brake saftey switch. you have to apply the brake when shifting from park if it is bad it will not allow you to shifft from park.try the cheapest easiest first.

I experienced the same this last week to find out it was the coil pack. My technician replaced the coil, and told me that this was a common problem withe the 96 jetta.