Hey there, new to the forums here... I've got a question about my 96 Trek and was hoping for some experienced input.

Shortly after I bought it, I noticed, when starting, I would sometimes get a clicking sound from behind the instr. cluster before the starter would engage.
Just this week, I got in and it wouldnt' start at all. All the accessories would come on but no clicking behind the dash and no starter engage.
I metered out the starter and replaced it... auto parts store confirmed that the starter was bad...
Now, with a new starter, I turn the key... accessories and all... but no start.
From browsing on this and other forums, I have deduced in my finite wisdom that it "might" be either the ignition switch (which I hear that Jettas, esp. Treks are prone to) or the Alarm system control module (J284).
How am I doing so far????

So, if it's the ignition switch, fine, it's like $20 and I feel confident to do myself. But as far as the security module goes... (1) how the heck do I get to it? (2) how do I tell if that's the problem (will an OBD scan tell me or do I need something like a VAG-COM?)

Thanks for any help you can give me...