starter problem help

[markie mark]

my sisters car as a starting problem and a idling problem, i need to help her because i sold her the car .
need to get the starting problem sorted first, so then i can sort the idling prob.
right here goes the car is golf gti 8v on a 96 n,reg .
 problem= when you turn the key nothing happens apart from relay clicking under dashboard. there is no noise at all from the starter motor or solinoid.
 
 1. checked power to solinoid (thick cable) and i get 12 volt?
 2. checked power to solinoid (thin cable) when key is turned i get 12 volts?
 3. when turning key should starter turn if solinoid is knacked?
 
 any help will be helpfull cheers.
                                           (NEVER SELL A CAR TO FAMILY)

[mattkh]

Hi
Put the car in neutral and remove the ignition key. Remove the cable to the solenoid that energizes the solenoid. Is it a spade connector. If it is then make a 2 foot long cable using a thin wire and attach a spade plug to one end. Push this end onto to the solenoid connector. Then, attach the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of the battery. Let me know what happens when you do that.

[mattkh]

(NEVER SELL A CAR TO FAMILY)

Hi
When you buy a car from a family member, you know the history of the car which is very useful. By the way, what is the mileage ?

[markie mark]

got starter motor off now to check. but before i took that cable with the spade on and put volt meter on spade and earth and when the key was turned by the bird i was getting 12 volts

[mattkh]

HI
Well done for getting it off. Clean the pinion gear and the shaft. Spray lots of wd40 on the gear and behind it. Pull the gear outwards. Does it move easily. Remember to test the starter with a 12v battery before you put it into the car.

[mattkh]

but before i took that cable with the spade on and put volt meter on spade and earth and when the key was turned by the bird i was getting 12 volts

You were getting 12 volts on the spade but how good was the connection of the spade to the solenoiod?? That might have been the problem. Also put the battery on charge while you have the starter off.

[markie mark]

motor run fine with 12 volts supply. put loads of wd40 on and left to soke over night. put it back on today but having problems with getting last bolt in( the long one on the bottom) any advise on this.

[markie mark]

sorted, just didnt jack gearbox up high enought . now starts fine, now all i need to do is to stop it stalling all the time.
 full service tomorrow and clean throttle body out.
 thanks for all your help matt.

[mattkh]

Hi
Well done. Check all the vacuum hoses and clean out the ISV.

[markie mark]

hi matt , whot is the isv and where abouts is it . thank again