1999 Volkswagen Beetle Logo
Anonymous Posted on Jan 20, 2009

Trying to install a new starter on a 99 Volkswagen Beetle

Many times when I've tried to start the car, the ignition just "clicks" sporadically. It's like it tries to turn the engine, but the solenoid doesn't latch long enough to keep the starter motor running. I assumed that the solenoid was faulty, so I decided to replace the starter. So far, I've managed to get the bottom mounting bolt to the starter off, but the top one is giving me some major problems. On top of the bolt head is a threaded stud used to mount what appears to be a bonding plate for some other wires. Though I've managed to get the nut off the stud, I can't get the the bonding plate to slide off of the stud. It seems like there just isn't enough slack in the wires for the plate to slide off the stud. Am I going to have to disconnect the other end of every wire harnessed to that plate just so that I can get the plate off of the stud, or is there something I'm missing? This just seems like way, way too much unnecessary work just to change a starter.

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    hi from uk are you sure this top stud? is not a bolt that comes from the other side of mounting i ask this querie you mention you removed nut but unable to remove cable clip ? and what seems as you described ??a threaded stid on top of bolt head that this clip is on?? i would suspect this is abolt from rear with a nut securing starter and another nit added to secure cableclip ? this cable may well be the earth cable mounting point to engine from the battery ?? worth checking out ??

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  • Posted on Jul 15, 2012
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Make sure the Battery Tray is removed! I had NO problem getting the Top Bolt out..VERY LONG..BUT..the Bottom Bolt..well...I twisted an extension in half so far..I am waiting for a friend who s a V W Teck to get the bolt out! Remove the TRAY....!!!

  • Anonymous Jul 15, 2012

    Make sure the Battery Tray is removed! I had NO problem getting the Top Bolt out..VERY LONG..BUT..the Bottom Bolt..well...I twisted an extension in half so far..I am waiting for a friend who s a V W Teck to get the bolt out! Remove the TRAY....!!!

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  • Posted on Jan 20, 2009
colin white
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They have a clip thats holding the wires in,undo the clip lift the wires out and slide it off the starter

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