1998 vw jetta intermittent problem go to start car and nothing happens have power but car doesnt even attempt to start then other times starts right up?

I had the same problem on my 1995 Acura integra. I changed the distributor cap and also changed the groundwire, It turns on perfectly now, so you might want to change those two things. hope that helps A very common problem with the ignition switch. the switch is two parts. bottom hooks directly to wire assembly. top part, little black nipple that engages your starter/cylinoid. intermittent at first and can be misdiagnosed for a bevy of other problems. If car power engages, and you know how to hot wire from positive lead of cylinoid to positive pole of battery, and car starts, you need to change out ignition. 30bucks max. easy instructions available. remember check this out first so you do not waste time or money. I love Jettas and have had it happen quite a bit with high mileage cars. I buy ignition after test, disconnect back wire from starter, hook up new ignition, push in clutch and use tip of key to engage. Car "usually" starts right away. good luck.