Does Not Want To Start

[melissa]

The problem has only happened 4 times so far and I cannot see a pattern such as been driving for a long time or just a quick trip as it has happened on both of these occasions. You get in, try to turn the key and get NOTHING. Its an auto so I tried putting it into Neutral and trying to turn key - NOTHING. Put it back into Park and turn key - NOTHING. Voltage guage is showing slightly under the red mark and lights are on the dash but its not even trying to crank over. If I wait a little while, it will start just like normal!

It also has a problem when sometimes you put the blinker on to go around the corner, the wipers come on - usually just one sweep across or even just a little nudge, but I can live with that. I can't live with the not starting when you want it to.

Sorry, should have said its a 77.

[mikinoz]

When the ignition starts to degenerate this is common. I have had the horn when starting, the wipers when indicating and many other combinations.

I replaced it with another and all have gone. May be your problem too?

[melissa]

Thank you. Is there any check that I can do or is it a mechanic only thing?

[mikinoz]

I pulled the steering column off myself and replaced the whole unit with a Haynes manual. I am not sure how much they cost, but if they were cheap enough I would suggest replacing it anyway. You don't need to replace your key by the way.

[Golf Loon]

Next time it does it, try lifting the key as you turn it, if it then starts its the ignition switch.

Bit fiddly to fit yourself, but can be done. The switches are cheap.

[Volksee77]

I'm with loon on this, most old mk1's have problems with the ignition switch, if lifting the key doesn't help remove the plastice covers around the steering column stalk and push the ignition switch wiring plug up and see if it starts. If it isn't this and being and auot it could be heat soak in the starter motor as it sits just under the exhaust manifold on autos. If it does it on very short drives then I doubt it is the starter motor

[Lima]

Sounds like our house when it was in the middle of getting its wiring brought into the 21st century. I came home one night after work, turned the lights on and they all blew. I turned the cooktop on to see if there was any power and the lights in the hallway came on, haha.

[melissa]

Thanks guys. I will report back on how it goes, the next time it does it.

It happened yesterday when my daughter was driving and it freaked her out a bit - being 16 and all - with me I just shrugged and said it will start again, don't panic.

[mikinoz]

It can have other side effects like faster window wiping and brighter lights!

[gtimk5]

A very common problem on the autos is the solenoid on the starter. They produce an intermittent starting problem and the only real cure is to replaced it or if you have a really dialled in auto electrician, they can dismantle the sealed solenoid and replaced the top cap section of it.
Look forward to hearing the cause of your problem,
Good luck, Andrew

[Jarred]

Dom had this issue, too; (his car is the same as yours) as well as Spyda, for them it was the starter solenoid.

I believe it was due to heat soak from the exhaust, causing the solenoid to play up. once the car cooled down, it would start fine.

I'm with Andrew on this one.

[FACT HUNTer]

Dom had this issue, too; (his car is the same as yours) as well as Spyda, for them it was the starter solenoid.

I believe it was due to heat soak from the exhaust, causing the solenoid to play up. once the car cooled down, it would start fine.

I'm with Andrew on this one.

I also had this problem with my '77 auto.I fixed it about 10 or 11 months ago and it hasn't happened since.It's caused by heat soak from the exhaust manifold but is also wear related.

Briefly,you need to remove any scratches or grooves from the solenoid piston or plunger,especially radial grooves that indicate jamming.
Then,de-burr the lip of the solenoid cylinder or body.Give it a slight chamfer.
Fit your heatshield to your starter motor and notice the base of the solenoid is exposed to heat from the exhaust manifold.Extend your heatshied to fully protect the solenoid and the solenoid mounting base(where the actuating lever is)Use sheet metal and a few 6mm screws and nuts to attach it.Do not leave sharp edges.

Hope that helps.

[melissa]

Thanks for the help - that one is way above my skills! I know my limits Will let the mechanic give that a go.

[melissa]

Just bringing this one back - it did it again today. I tried jiggling the key but no joy so I am going with the heat theory - it was warm today, and I sat there for 20 minutes waiting before it would start again so that makes me think it needed to cool down. Will get it sussed soon - today the fuel tank got dropped in the T3 and the sender unit replaced, next week the brakes are booked in so the Golf will have to wait till the week after.

Looks like my mission at the moment is keeping VW mechanics in work!

[Golf Loon]

It the starter motor Melissa.
It sits next to the exhaust on an auto and the solder melts, when it cools it will reform and the car will start.
There needs to be a heatshield fitted and perhaps a new starter.