My son has a 2000 VW GTI Mk 4. Up until a few days ago, the car started great. Then only the BATTERY light on the dash popped up. No check engine, no nothing. All electrical shut down except for the battery light. Replaced the ignition switch. Car started fine for about 4 days then back to not starting and just the battery light on. Tried tapping the brake with the ignition turned to "ON" and all the dash lighting came on and car would start but as soon as you took your foot off the brake pedal the engine quit. No electrical, no nothing. Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, what was the fix? Thanks.

 

Problem solved for now and hopefully for good.

I figured if it was an electrical problem it could mean a short in the system or a bad ground. Found that by pulling and wiggling the negative cable that power would be restored. Took off cable end that attaches to the engine and cleaned it. Re-installed it and power back on. Something as simple as that.

 

Very sorry for this problem, I had not such experience.