Author Topic: Strange starting probs recently  (Read 1209 times)

Offline jaxkesa

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Strange starting probs recently
« on: 31 January 2007, 19:58 »
My 1.8 AAM engine mk3 has been acting a bit strange while starting recently.

It starts fine most of the time and sometimes makes a bit of a clicking sound for a couple of seconds which I now suspect is the solenoid not disengaging properley.

Every now and then it won't start after turning the key for a few secs. So I turn it back for several seconds. Then start it again and the engine struggles at low rpm and I have to give it a bit of gas to get it idling normally. This sometimes happens when the car has been left for a short period if time like 15 mins and less often when starting from cold. Could this be linked to the solenoid problem?

The other thing is that the car has suffered from a rattling alternator bearing for a few years AFAIK. I wondered if this could be seizing up and putting a load on the engine and so causing the above issues?? Doesn't seem likely to me but is it possible?


Offline patch900

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Re: Strange starting probs recently
« Reply #1 on: 02 February 2007, 12:32 »
"Every now and then it won't start after turning the key for a few secs. So I turn it back for several seconds. Then start it again and the engine struggles at low rpm and I have to give it a bit of gas to get it idling normally. This sometimes happens when the car has been left for a short period if time like 15 mins and less often when starting from cold. Could this be linked to the solenoid problem?"

This could be the ECU temp sensor relay, sounds the same as the problem on my 8V GTI. Relay is about £12.
Virtually everything I know about the workings of the internal combustion engine can be written on the back of a small stamp with a large marker

Offline EvilScotsman

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Re: Strange starting probs recently
« Reply #2 on: 03 February 2007, 12:08 »
Thats weird!

Apart from the clicking, my 95 gti-8 does the exact same thing. I cleaned the throttle body out but it didnt help much, wheres the relay sited? in the fusebox?
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Offline jaxkesa

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Re: Strange starting probs recently
« Reply #3 on: 03 February 2007, 15:07 »
I'll get a replacement relay then and see how that goes. Should be located in fusebox, position 15 I think.

Thanks!
« Last Edit: 03 February 2007, 15:23 by jaxkesa »

Offline totzo

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Re: Strange starting probs recently
« Reply #4 on: 03 February 2007, 15:47 »
My gti 8v is doing something very similar ie. cold start problems, needs revs to keep going & odd clicking sound after it stalls- this stops if you touch the throttle pedal, weird! Let us know if the relay fixes it.  :smiley:
'98 MK3 GTI 8v AGG

Offline boneybradley

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Re: Strange starting probs recently
« Reply #5 on: 03 February 2007, 17:25 »
here's the location of the relay's for you


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