GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: blighty on 05 January 2010, 13:46
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its a mk2 golf gti 16v (87 d reg) - was running fine yesterday and temp gauge was reading -2 (as far as I know, as the mrs drove it last, and didnt mention anything about running problems). went to warm the car for her this morning whilst de-icing it, and it wouldnt start, it clicks when ignition is turned, but doesnt attempt to turn over. temp gauge was reading 0.
I have checked the battery, it appears to be fine, and have put screwdriver across the terminals on the starter to check that sparks/spins - which it does.
So I was thinking it has to be something to do with the ignition to starter wire/relay?
anyone able to tell me where this relay can be found or what number it is? or any other possibilities it could be?
also, never done this before but the indicator/hazard light in the dash is staying constant green whilst ignition is on. :huh: any ideas as to what that could be?
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Any way you can jump start it? Some of my dash lights stay on when my battery goes flat. Will still spark at the starter but might not have enough juice to turn the engine over
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no, no way of doing that on my own. plus live in a built up area where there are loads of parked cars so not ideal if something comes the other way :(
the battery is good, doesnt dim at all when things are all turned on at the same time (headlights on main beam, heaters and hazards etc)
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Thats a bit odd then lol, maybe your golf is secretly trying to pull a sicky cus of the snow :grin:
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it looks that way doesnt it lol. Hope I can figure it out asap though as we have various appointments at hospital for my daughter coming up, so need the car ideally - dont fancy taking the bus lol
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I had the same problem when all this weather started. Took connections off of the starter motor, rubbed each one with a bit sandpaper and a smearing of vaseline and was fine after that.
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Check all earths.
May be worth getting the multimeter out.
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I dont have anything to rub the connections down or a multimeter :( would wd40 work as a temporary measure?
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Screwdriver across which terminals? There are 2, one smaller spade terminal for the starter solenoid (that usually makes the click) and one big one for the starter which goes off via a chunky cable to the battery with thinner one off the same terminal to the alternator. I'm not sure if this is the same as your problem but the symptoms I had were pretty much the same for me on Saturday, I've always managed to start my car (8v) since I got it back in April but the starter has always seemed a bit sluggish, even moreso since the cold weather, even with a new battery. it would just about turn the engine once over but somehow started, anyway, on Saturday I went to start it 1st thing, the engine did 1/2 a turn, then nothing, just click,click,click. I figured I was in for a new starter, I checked the connections on the starter and all 'looked' fine, but when I tugged at the heavy cable it came away leaving the circular connector on the starter, it had corroded right through............so no current getting to the starter. I got a new thick cable from Halfords (£5) and connected it (with a bit of butchery) and hey presto I now have no problems starting, the starter spins the engine over easily now even sub-zero and the battery charges up quicker. (the smaller wire from the alternator runs through the thick wire to the battery so with an ultra thin corroded connector hardly any current was getting from the alternator back to the battery I guess). I hope your fix is as easy as this.
By the way, if you're getting the 'click' from the starter motor then the problem is not with the ignition switch or relays. Check all the earth cables as well, especially the one to the gearbox.
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sorry, should have made that clearer, the clicking sound is coming from the dash, not the starter.
I put the screwdriver across the smaller red wired terminal (with the plastic end, which goes to the ignition, and across to the bigger terminal for the battery) which then gave the spark and starter motor started to making the spinning whirring noise
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all sorted :d It WAS the earth at the bottom of the battery from the gearbox :D Thanks whoever suggested that. It seems to have sorted the indicator problem too, not sure why but it's sorted now so not too fussed. :)
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was it broken or just corroded?
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neither, it was just stupidly loose. I could move the earth roughly 1cm up and down on the bolt lol.