I have a 2004 2.0L, SOHC, Automatic, beetle, 2 weeks ago the battery took a dump, the cables also had a little corrosion at the terminal ends. I replaced the battery, and cleaned the terminals with baking soda, wire brushes ect. Battery is @ 14 volts. Yesterday we took it for a drive, When I got back in it, nothing, wouldnt make a sound, click or anything. Dash lights lit up but wouldnt crank. So I was stranded, so I put the car in neutral, rolled it back 10-15 feet. Tried it again, started right up. I drove it home, turned it off. Tried to start it, nothing. Battery meter read 13.5 volts, so I charged the battery all night long, battery meter showed it in the good position @ 14 volts. So I am thinking the starter is going out or maybe a loose cable at solenoid. Anybody run into this or have any ideas here ?

 

Check your terminals first, that's free

 

They found the culprit, a loose terminal down low. Easy fix.