mkII won't start, just clicks

[Dee Em]

Can anyone advise me what the problem is? I have a MkII 8v which I tried to start this morning. All I get is click, it doesn't even turn the starter motor. The battery is charged and it won't bump start either.

Also, I have recently had some work done on the car, new clutch and front discs. The steering does not feel the same as it was. There is less feel being transmitted through the wheel and the steering feels much lighter. Any suggestions what this might be?

[golfvr6]

Check that the leads that go to the top of the starter motor are not corroded, remove them and sand them down.
As for the steering problem, when fitting a new clutch the n/s driveshaft would have been removed, so the chances are the suspension strut may have been unbolted, if this is the case then it is possible that the wheel camber may be out.
Worth a look.

[Veedubgt18v]

or the earth strap from the battery could be dodgy, i think that gave dizzie problems. Spray the terminals of the starter motor with wd40 and then see if it starts, worked on mine so i sanded the connectors like 6 says

[Blue MK2]

had a problem like that when i first got mine.

Turned out to be a dodgy starter (the box ontop of the motor itself)

worth a look

[Veedubgt18v]

the solenoid thing? yeah i forgot about that, good call!

[richandhazel]

If it is the solenoid sticking, you can sometimes get away with giving it a light tap and then trying. Definately check your high power leads from battery to starter (earth and positive) as its a common problem.

[Dizzie]

LOL, a light tap? When I was on the phone to Danny Allen trying to fix mine I said "how hard?" to which he replied "smash the f**k out of it!" I ended up changing the starter for ?20 from the scappy cos I still couldn't get it to go. then i changed that strap.

The earth straps are only ?2. Worth changing if yours hasn't been done for a while. Everything works better now. Lights, wipers, stereo

[adyh]

Ok , you had enough power to start the engine the first time you tried ? If not then this might help .


Sometimes under low battery conditions the starter motor half engages and jams .

When this happens , put the car in reverse and rock the car backwards . This disengages the motor .

Has worked for me a number of times .

[Dee Em]

Thanks for all the advice. The starting problem is sorted. The starter motor has been stripped and cleaned and it started first time. I think I'll get the steering checked over but the handling and grip doesn't seem to be affected.