I have posted this original topic about a year ago thinking that I would be getting to the project but haven't til now. A quick recap of the original problem: I was trying to start the Cabriolet and while trying there was a loud pop and some smoke that came from the engine compartment. It looked like it was from the starter but couldn't be sure. After that, I would get nothing at all when turning the key except for the usual dash lights, radio, etc. I had read a post with a similar issue on a van and it ended up being the starter for them.

Yesterday, 2/26/2011, I put a new starter on from Autozone and nothing happened. Everything comes on just nothing from the starter/engine. Could other possibilities be the ignition coil, blown fuse/relay, bad wire, possibly siezed engine??? Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Before the pop the car was running. Thanks in advance.

you need a test light and take the small wire off the starter and have some one else turn the key to the start position and see if the test light comes on, that will let you know if you are getting the signal from the ignition switch

yes the small wire pushes on,  you can use a jumper from the positive side of the battery and jump it to that terminal and the starter will activate and turn the engine over if it is working, this is for the more experinced and not the safest method, yopu dont want to have the car in drive or your wrench on the crank pulley etc.

Yesterday, 2/26/2011, I put a new starter on from Autozone and nothing happened.

Speaking from personal experiance, a "new starter from Autozone" doesn't always equal a "good starter that actually works."

you should be able to test the starter in or out of the car by putting positive to the small terminal in the car or use jumper cables outside of the car

I will check the ground wire tomorrow. Is there a 'jumper wire' that you buy or do you make one? If you make one, what type/guage wire do you use and do you just make contact with the positive post on battery and the bare terminal on the starter? Thanks.

you should also check the ground wire to the engine, probably on one of the transmisson bolts

Yeah, that... I have fixed a BUNCH of problems on VWs with ground issues.   

I didn't get a chance to use a jumper today or check the ground, will try tmorrow and update with the results. The Cabriolet is a 5spd and I did not replace the battery. I had taken it out when I pulled the starter and it sat out for a few months. I put it on a charger before putting it back in. Thanks again...