intermitent starting problem vw golf

[ih]

i have problem with my vw golf 1996 1.8 SE engine.when i turn the key to start the car nothing will happen that is the car will be silent no crank no starter motor noise.This is intermitent fault . Have checked alternator and battery both ok. am assuming starter motor is ok
any help or advise will be appreciated

 

[Spark123]

Starter motor/solenoid, loose connection from battery to solenoid, loose connection on solenoid starting circuit, alarm/immobiliser fault, dodgy keyswitch.....

 

[ih]

thanks for prompt reply spark123

 

[Softus]

Turn the ignition key until the dashboard warning lights come on, but not so far that the starter motor would turn (if it were working).

Do the warning lights come on?

Now turn the key further to energise the starter motor.

Do the lights stay the same brightness or do they dim slightly?

 

[ih]

thanks for response softus sorry for the delay. yes the warning lights come on and the lights stay the same brightness on checking as per your advise. hope this can assist further. thanks

 

[Softus]

In that case the first thing I would check is the starter motor solenoid and and the connections to it. Check that you get 12V on the supply to the solenoid when an assistant turns the key.

If the soleniod is working correctly then there should be a loud 'click' when you try to start the car, and you should get 12V at the supply to the starter motor. If so, then this points to the starter motor.

 

[ih]

thanks softus! while i am at it assuming starter is ok then is there another option i could look at the same time . thanks merryxmas to you.
pardon my ignorance are soleniod and starter two different component and both will need replacing ??

 

[Softus]

while i am at it assuming starter is ok...

I don't know why you would want to assume that anything is OK when the car isn't working and you're trying to fix it.

...then is there another option i could look at the same time .

No. Concentrate on one thing at a time, or you won't be doing the job properly and might not notice the obvious.

thanks merryxmas to you.

And to you too.

are soleniod and starter two different components

Yes.

...and both will need replacing ??

It would be very unusual for both components to become faulty at the same time.

 

[Spark123]

The starter motor and solenoid are usually in one unit, replaced as a whole.
Like softus says, check for 12v at the solenoid (smaller wire) when the ignition is turned and take it from there.

 

[^neo^]

Dont rule out the ignition switch if it's an intermittent problem, theyre known for causing trouble on mk2 and mk3 golfs

 

[ih]

thanks to all the guys for help. Replaced starter motor. Appreciate sound advise from "neo" as a friend said the same thing on golf. atleast now the
pointer is focused. thanks again.

 

[ih]

just an update!! for benefit of others in future who have similar problems.
"neo" thanks for help . had to change ignition switch and all seems ok
was time consuming but atleast it is sorted now.
ih

 

[^neo^]

8)

 

[treacle24]

HELP my 1999 plate VW Golf has had intermitten starting problems since we bought it 6 months ago. Numerous breakdowns each leading to a "repair" at garages but no cure. Today was the final straw, thirty miles from home turned engine off for ten minutes whilst in a shop then tried to start the carturned keythe engine didn't fire up. Breakdown came again! thought it was coil...no it wasn't. £150 spent no cure but they were great and did try. Garage thinks it was to do with ignition key and onboard computers and recommended that VW specialist garage take a look. Rang them and basically they didn't show any thought or interest in my problem only telling me the labour costs are £85 an hour. Yes I need to have the car fixed but can anyone please help me!!!