problem needs solving

[serial golf]

i have golf gti mark 5. there is a problem with the starting up sometimes. the ignition lights come on but it doesnt start sometimes. has anybody got any idea what the problem could be please!

[neg]

Sounds odd, have you had it checked out with VCDS (vagcom) ?

[TeddyKGB]

A relative of mine has this same problem (although his is a 1.6 FSI Golf Match). I did hook my vaggy upto it but no faults had been logged.

Strangely it only occurs when at his step-mums

[Cass]

Agree - this is an issue for dealer to diagnose

May be faulty ECU, dash display (my old Audi TT had this) or ignition switch

Cass

[ub7rm]

I've never tried to start my car without putting the clutch in but I know some cars have an interlock that won't let you try and start the car unless the clutch is in (even if its in neutral)?  Just thinking aloud....

Does the engine turn over or just nothing happens?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It could also be the immobiliser intermittantly failing to recognise the key, all of which could include the bits Cass mentioned in his post.

Are the keys both original, and undamaged?  Have you tried swapping keys, to see if it is different between keys?

[TeddyKGB]

It could also be the immobiliser intermittantly failing to recognise the key, all of which could include the bits Cass mentioned in his post.

Are the keys both original, and undamaged?  Have you tried swapping keys, to see if it is different between keys?

Bloody good point - if the imobilizer had kicked in would the engine still turn? Just that the other morning mine took 2 turns to get going!! (after turning the ignition off and then back on again)

[Top Cat]

Mine seems to be getting more erratic on start up, it tries its best not to start sometimes this can be after ive left it for 4 days or 1 day  it always turns over just erratic fire.
And i am way to scared to take it to the dealer. 

[ub7rm]

I have this with mine too, sometimes she'll fire up after a couple of turns sometimes four.  Sometimes she'll seem to catch so I take my hand of the key then she struggles for a split second before coming to life properly.  Always starts though.

I had a thread about it....

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=91119.0

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It could also be the immobiliser intermittantly failing to recognise the key, all of which could include the bits Cass mentioned in his post.

Are the keys both original, and undamaged?  Have you tried swapping keys, to see if it is different between keys?

Bloody good point - if the imobilizer had kicked in would the engine still turn?

It depends on how the immobilser is set up, and also what specific issue is reported.

For some scenarios it may not actually crank at all, other times it may crank but not fire, and for others it may actually start but then stop shortly after.

Just that the other morning mine took 2 turns to get going!! (after turning the ignition off and then back on again)

The best way is simply to hold the key in the start position, cranking the starter motor continuously, for as long as it takes to start - though no more than 10 seconds continuous cranking.  The pansy method of just moving the key to the start for just a second or so really doesn't achieve anything, and can actually cause premature wear on the starter motor and the flywheel.