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We have a 1987 Volkswagon cabriolet that will not start. We have put a new battery on it, however, there is a third cable that we are not sure what it is. We attempted to connect it to the battery also, but it began smoking so we have disconnected all of them. The car smokes no matter which wires are connected. I believe it may be the starter that is smoking.
Optional Information: Year: 1987Make: VolkswagenModel: Cabriolet
Usually there is a large cable the connects the battery to the starter and then 1 or 2 small wires that connect to the ignition switch. Since it is smoking when you hook up the battery the first thing I would do is make sure you have the polarity correct. Large positive terminal goes to starter, smaller negative terminal goes to ground. If that does not fix it I would disconnect both small wires from the starter and then briefly connect the positive to the starter (just hold it in position). If the cable gets hot or the starter smokes the starter is likely internally shorted. Also, if the battery is connected to the wiring but disconnected from the starter and it does not smoke then it is probably something with the starter.
Experience: ASE Master Certified with advanced L1, California Smog Tech, Volkswagen Certified