Car wont start. Engine not turning over just clicks.

[jcook6788]

Hey guys,

After a day of research, looking, tinkering and replacing bits i need some help and suggestions to try to fix this tomorrow.

For the last week when trying to start the car sometimes it would take a few attempts. Before starting the car would not turn over and just make a clicking noise. Well, This morning it finally completely died ( I knew I had to get it looked at but had only been making small trips over Xmas)

Symptoms then are:

• Car not turning over
• clicking noise (not fast as some have described almost random and intermittent)
• also noticed when engaging starter battery light flashes on as normal but this time it appears to dim during cranking?

Battery issues kept popping up and with a multimeter test and the fact it was an old battery I decided it was time for a new one so did today go and buy a new one but the problem still persists..

From reading ive read it could be:

starter motor
ignition switch
solenoid?

Can anyone help me diagnose the problem and solution? looking for ways to test any suggestions aswell... probably starting with easiest first  You guys have been amazing with solutions in the past so fingers crossed I can get this fixed or atleast in the right direction!

Car is a 1.8t AGU Golf Mk4 1999

Thanks for your time
James

[barrym381]

sounds like your starter has died either get it reconditioned or buy a new 1 

[gazpowells]

Would say starter motor is the problem mate

[flog]

You could try tapping the starter motor with a hammer or spanner whilst trying to start it.

[madmanmart]

Sounds like a weak battery.

[flog]

Battery issues kept popping up and with a multimeter test and the fact it was an old battery I decided it was time for a new one so did today go and buy a new one but the problem still persists..

[jcook6788]

Back again with what seems a very tough diagnosis and could really use some help!

Heres the story.. After posting id replaced the battery and decided to replace starter motor (bench tested OK but thought may be intermittent solenoid or weak motor at best)

The starter motor instantly did the trick fired up like new... for about 10days. Then occasionally it would do nothing on first attempt but start on second. Yesterday morning it wouldnt start at all! BACK TO SQUARE ONE!

Yesterday I checked connections, battery (again even though new) and even cleaned up relays checked for dodgy wires as well as i could.. Then like nothing happened.. it started and drove fine when tested!

This morning DEAD AGAIN! I suspected a intermittent ignition switch (although doesnt explain everything) but have replaced this just now but no joy.

and just to say again this is a No Crank, No start. When I do crank i believe I hear a click from the relays and 'sometimes' a click from the solenoid on start. Not all the time though?!?

Final piece of info I have is that when cranking usually lights on dash illuminate and then go away leaving just the parking brake 'P' and battery light. I noticed yesterday that again, intermittently when attempting to start the battery light went away aswell. Does this mean anything?

It is the intermittent nature of this issue that is the problem. What do I have left to change? I have a few more wild thoughts and would appreciate any ways to test them or other ideas



Ideas

• Wire to solenoid from ignition

I believe the terminal is 'terminal 50' when tested we got 12v to this wire but it looked slightly damaged. How do I re terminal this wire with the special VW clip thing. Cost? Shop? Take to Garage?

• Fuse box from Battery+ with 110amp fuse

This fuse had blown before. i believe it goes to alternator. is this a separate issue altogether? (obviously fuse has been replaced now)

• ECU??

Cars brain gone mad? would this prevent starting but then work and not work intermittently?

• Alternator

Dont no what id be looking for or why it would stop it starting..


Sorry for long post but have tried to give as much info as I can.
Thanks in advance

James
[/list]

[Jasikasisback]

get someone to come and look at it...I hope you kept your old starter and solenoid because maybe they were ok...I've had similiar problems as you for over two years now but the car always starts on third or fourth crank at worst and has yet to leave me stranded... but I have a spare starter in the boot along with an ignition switch..hope i never have to change them though...! I  recently had starting issues with my Passat and the cause could not be identified and probably never will...I have received very good advice on how to solve that problem
from fellow forum members

maybe you could make a video and post? inside the car and under the bonnet ir wherever the cliking noise is coming frim?

You will spend a lot of money needlessly on these old cars. and begin to relise why new cars cost many thousands..maybe a friendly autoelectrician may read this and give you a hand...or some advice...

[jcook6788]

Unfortunately couldnt keep new starter as it was one of those bosch surcharge things - basically got £120 back for giving them my old!

Its been very reliable for many years and these things just come out of the blue! ... I do know of my mates who have far newer cars with horrible problems that cost a bomb so hohum.

Thanks