Non start issues

Hi guys 

I have a 1988 golf clipper cabrio auto and I have a starting issue.

It happens only when the engine is warm/hot I try and fire up the engine say after filling up and it won't turn over. The previous owner has tried a new starter motor and that has made no difference, so he has proceeded to fit a hot wire button.

Basically this is wired straight from the battery to the starter motor via a button and the car doesn't fail to start.

So does anyone have any ideas where to start as I want the engine bay back to standard without extra wires and I fear for the security of the car with the hot start button. 

Thanks in advance 

Adam 

??? Anyone ???

ignition switch

The chap I bought it off said he had replaced a grey connector at the back would that be the same thing ???

I only ask as even repeated attempts to start or wiggling the key has no effect ??

Cheers for your help with this as I can't find much that seems relative

I had my ignition switch go and it would sometimes start and then nothing just lights but wouldn't crank try the switch there a feed on how to change it.  
 

taken your advice boys and have the car booked in for the ignition switch replaced at a local VW specialist on Thursday.

lets see if this works !!!!!

Fingers crossed everyone.

if not the wire from switch to starter may be droppign voltage, its a common prob especially on autos as they suffer from heat soak. a vw approved repair is to fit a relay in the engien bay triggered by the old starter wire to feed the starter with full 12v direct from the battery. basically what the po did with the switch only you dont have to manually press it

Awesome info mate !!!!! It's booked in at a Vw specialist tomorrow for the ignition switch but I will mention this !!!

Just to clarify then it would be a relay in the ignition live to the starter motor with a permanent live from the battery ????

You dont have any info on this do you ???

Cheers ad
 

you would grab yourself a standard 4 pin switched relay and wire like so:

30 - battery +
86 - old red/black starter wire
87 - to starter
31/85 - battery -

you could put an inline fuse on the live feed if you like, but the factory trigger wire isnt fused

Bloody  'ell your good !!!!!!

well its in at the garage now having the switch fitted either way - at least its a piece of mind.

If that doesn't work then happy days I  be giving myself another electrical shock on Saturday.

Thanks everyone for your help on this, its genuinely appreciated.

Just one last question what amperage relay would be required ????

20a plus be fine, pretty much any if not all std switched relay you find will be man enough put it that way

if you wanted to keep it VW look for a #53 relay thats the same as a std automotive switched relay

That's amazing, thanks for your help so I'm guessing 3mm core for 12v and 1.6mm core for the starter wires ???

I'm scared of setting my motor on fire by being a complete moron !!!

yeah 3mm2 will do, same core for the wires to pin 30 and from 87 to the starter. the 86 wire will be the old starter wire anyway, and the 31/85 wire is just an earth trigger so can be wee.

Loom pre built to try on the car tomorrow !!! Hopefully will get a dry afternoon to work on it !!!! 

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped especially rubjonny I have made the wiring harness and fitted it today and so far so good !!!! I will take some photos to add to the thread so anyone needing help at a later date should be able to see how I've done it.