Novice needs help!!!

[streaky]

I've got a mk2 Gti 8v. I've only had it a few months and it wont start..

It was fine yesterday, came to start it today and nothing from the starter motor at all. It powers up when I turn the ignition key but when I go to the third position to start there's nothing. The battery is good and everything else on the car works. There is power to the main cable on the starter but not a peep out of it. Someone has told me the solenoid might have gone. I've checked for blown fuses and loose cables - nothing.

Any help appreciated.

[UKjarvis]

run a live cable from the battery straight to the starter motor to eliminate the motor itself first, if its not that try and trace the problem back, does it bump start ok.

[lemski]

Can u here the fuel pump priming. If not put a live to the plug (located in the boot) to eliminate fuel pump
Liam

[streaky]

Thanks

I can hear the pump priming as normal.  Do I connect a live cable from the battery to the smaller point on the solenoid as the larger point already has a voltage to it? Don't want to do it wrong and damage the electrics. Haven't tried jumping it yet, the roads are sheet ice here at the mo. Thanks for the advice,I'll try them first thing. Cheers

[rubjonny]

yeah the samller connection, the one you want is the one with the chunky red/black wire. clean the spade up while you're there, and give the plug a slight pinch with some pliers to ensure it gets a good tight connection