97 GTI Electrical Probs Please HELP.

[bhuffman]

I have a 97 GTI that does not make the normal 2 beeps when pushing on the DESS lanyard. No gauge activity, nor turnover of the motor. I have just replaced the battery with a new battery. It is installed correctly. When checking the 15 amp fuse in the
black electrical box next to the battery it was full of water (from when i failed to put the plugs in...dummy...I ran the ski for 15 mins after draining all the water out and it ran perfectly after getting it cranked). Now 1 week later I can't get anything electrical to work. I cleaned all terminals and checked the 5 and 15 amp fuse in the front box also. I can use a screw driver to jump it across the starter and it turns over. Thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... if there was water in the MPEM... it may have shorted out... or there are some corroded wires. I would start with taking all the electrical apart, and cleaning the contacts to see if it comes back to life. If it doesn't... you may need an MPEM.

 

[bhuffman]

Thank you for your response...I have started to try and take apart the electrical system. After taking a digital multimeter to the positive and ground wires at the battery it reads 12.4. (Meaning I have a good ground...correct?)
I tested the red wire after the 15 Amp fuse in the electrical box that turns into a 4 pin wire that runs to the MPEM and it also has 12volts.
I have read on another post on this forum that if the MPEM is shot that it will beep 8 times when you place the lanyard on (or can the MPEM be shot and not allow any beeps or gauges).
I have also tried to press the start/stop button 5 times to enter diagnostic mode, but I get no beeps or anything.
Also it is possible/probable for the post that the lanyard goes on to have gone bad. The post and lanyard look clean.
What is the next step in the process of elimination? Thanks again.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... the 8 beeps is if the memory has gon bad. If you get that, it can be re-programmed. If it's totaly roasted... you don't get anything. Also, since you are trying to go into the diagnostics mode, and don't get anything... that's not a good sign. AND... finally... even if the lanyard post is bad... pushing the start/stop button should still bring the gauges to life for a about 10 seconds. (that's so you can check the fuel)

The only thing I can say is to open every plug, and check for corrosion.