my 2000 vw jetta will not start. initially, it made a ticking noise under the hood and the dash board lights flickered. now there is only a slight hum under the hood and the das lights stay on (no flicker). i replaced the battery about 3 weeks ago because the old one was dead. i have checked to make sure that the battery cables are tight on the posts. i also tried to jump start the car from another vehicle battery. no change. could the new battery be defective or do i have another problem such as the starter?

 

I'm 99% sure it's the starter.

 

battery is shot

 

If it were the battery there would be no ticking from the starter. Have the battery tested.

 

I agree w/ racerx002. My 01' VR6 had similar problem for 6 months, wouldn't start at 3-4 different places, been towed or pushed start, had battery replaced, went to 3 different shops, the 4th one finally affirmatively said it's the starter. $700 set this annoying problem in peace now.