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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: bmotormad on 31 December 2010, 18:42

Title: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: bmotormad on 31 December 2010, 18:42
I have a 97 vr that sometimes wont start. Central locking operates fine, open the door put the key in turn key and engine roars into life..........OR........ turn the key and nothing..... not even a click, dash lights come on its just a lottery if it starts  :angry: :angry: :angry:
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: snifferdog on 31 December 2010, 18:45
Sounds like the starter or solenoid?!
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: dumbnut on 31 December 2010, 19:06
sounds like transponder problem to me if you have one fitted. what model have you got. some one will proberly tell you to change the ECU relay. :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: snifferdog on 31 December 2010, 19:08
sounds like transponder problem to me if you have one fitted. what model have you got. some one will proberly tell you to change the ECU relay. :grin: :grin: :grin:

Hmm good point, if theres no click then it could be the transponder, but yeah my money is on the ECU relay!  :grin: :grin: :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Wayne on 31 December 2010, 19:30
Ign. switch
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: bmotormad on 02 January 2011, 13:16
Car is not stored locally so i cant check on model but was registered 07/11/97, so i was asuming it was a obd2 as i thought they changed over in 95/96??
Must have missed the ecu thread !!!
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Deano2711 on 02 January 2011, 13:46
Ign. switch

This is where I would start as well.
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Bellend on 02 January 2011, 14:03
Starter solenoid or ignition switch if it's all fine except for the starter.

Sounds more igntion switch based if it's very random though.
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 02 January 2011, 22:43
Ign. switch

+1
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: rubjonny on 04 January 2011, 10:17
if it does it again, try jumping red/black wire terminal on starter with 12v direct frombattery. if that works take p[lug off ignition switch and jump red wire to red/black wire. if that works its the ignition switch, if not its the wiring. the factory fitted and some aftermarket alarms are spliced into the red/black wire so if fitted that could be the cause.

id go with ignition switch though :)
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Dubbyboy on 04 January 2011, 16:50
I have endured the same for some time now, stripped the starter motor down and the solenoid piston was rusted.
If the piston doesn't move far enough, then it won't 1.) engage gear with flywheel, and 2.) create contact to allow the motor to spin.
Cleaned up the piston and inside the solenoid housing with some wire wool, used a bit of copper grease (anti sieze) on the piston and reassembled.
Worth checking the rest of the starter over at the same time.
Jobs a goodun, no probs since.
If you're willing and confident to strip it down you'll need an impact driver to get the three screws holding the solenoid out as they will have corroded, spray plenty of releasing agent on them first.
I'm going to do the same on my other starter and keep as a spare.
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Mikester on 04 January 2011, 17:13
Ign. switch

This is where I would start as well.

+1
Title: Re: will it start wont it !!!
Post by: Bellend on 04 January 2011, 17:13
If there is no click from the starter mate, then the solenoid isn't engauging, ruling the starter itself out.