I have a 1999 passat 2.8 it wont start by using the jey but u can jump the starter and it will turn over and start. i changed the ignition switch and it still wont start with a key ive noticed i dont have power to the switch side of the starter. also when i do get it starterd i have to keep giving it gas to keep it started. ive also noticed that my horn, int.lighting windows dosent work as well everything else is fine. i put it on computer and the code p1857 came up. could it possibly be a computer problem?? thanks for your help.

Have your ignition switch check or if this working have your engine starter check by a mechanic

- Switch on the head lamps for 5 minutes.
- Keeping the head lamps ON, start the engine.
If the lights die,
- Check the battery terminals.
- Check battery state of charge.
- Charging system.
If the lights still glow sharply,
- Check fuses and relays in under the hood fuse and relay box junction.
- Battery to starter motor cable.
- Battery to engine ground and chassis ground cable.
- Solenoid on starter motor.
- Starter motor.
- Wiring.
-Ignition switch.

what transmission,?
this can be 3 things, if it wont jump and batter is good.
bad connections at battery or starter.
1: bad starter.
2: bad (A/T shift switch) or bad M/T clutch switch.
3 bad ignition switch.
4: bad wire or connections end to and start system.

hot wire the starter solenoid, if car starts (cranks) then its 2 o 3.

Hey Bill. It could be so many things and any advice without seeing it is just a guess. Could be starter,ignition switch,fuel pump and on and on. if it does nothing when jumping not even turning over then it very well may be the battery or starter. Hope this helps some and good luck.

check the battery cable that connects to starter near firewall

Sounds like something with the ignition switch. If pollution control systems are also not getting power, it is not surprising it is not running well.

it is a possibility that it is bad or the ignition switch. cause a bad ignition switch will not send voltage for starter to start. an ignition switch handles a bout 50% of all voltage needs. the safety switch does it start in nuetral, or any other gear! if it starts in any other gear then it is out of adjustment. or needs replaced. first check and see if you have voltage from battery to starter, if so, check small ignition wire at starter. either wire could be bad also.

Is it even clicking? If not, skip to "no click, no jump" section of my post below. You do not have a start relay. Make sure your alarm system is not tripped and try giggling the shifter or shifting to neutral while holding the key to start. If these things don't work, try test 2 under the "solenoid clicks" section of the post. If your starter passes this test, the problem is probably in the ignition switch or the interlock switch/relay. let me know if you get stuck.

Please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6222268-engine_doesnt_crank_turn_over . These are generic instructions. If you get stuck or need specific instructions for your car, please get back to me with model, year and engine info.

when ignition key is turned to the start position do u have a live at the starter

It seem like a bad ignition switch the way you describe it, does the dashboard lights up when you turn the ignition switch on?