Starter or Solenoid?

Drove to my folks on Sunday. Then then it wouldn't start to go home again……

On turning the ignition key the solenoid seems to clunk, but the starter does not turn at all. The battery seems fine.

Anyone else had this?

The car is a 1985 Cabrio (MK1 shell, DX coded 8V engine).

Just when you think it's all sorted……another thing goes kaput.

Although having replaced;

head gasket,
Valve stem seals
injector seals
radiator,
water pump,
coolant hoses,
vacuum/vent hoses,
fuel filter,
oil filter,
distributor cap,
spark plugs
alternator wiring

 I shouldn't be too surprised when the starter conks out.

 :roll:

Ali Cabrio

Did you tap the solenoid with a hammer? Then it started okay?

I never bother to strip the solenoid off the starter, just replace the starter inc solenoid, or have the original one reconditioned.

Didn't get round to tapping the solenoid - but it was clunking like a good-un when the key was turned.

I'm going to dis-assemble the starter and solenoid, just to see if there's an obvious fault.

Then it'll probably be time to reach for the plastic  :roll:

Cheers for the swift reply Paul

Ali Cabrio

I had a similar problem. I just took the end cap off the starter motor and filled it with generous amounts of wd40 and wiggled things about. Seemed to fix the problem.

Try this:

Symptom : Lights stay bright and plunger  in solenoid switch is pulled when operating the starter.

Test: Disconnect battery cable from terminal 30 at starting motor and connect it to terminal stud of connector (contact blade). If the starting motor operates, the contacts of the solenoid switch are worn or dirty

Solution: clean conatcts and/or replace solenoid switch

Thanks to Volkswagen AG for this extract from VW Workshop Manual

MP

see

Starter Problems sorted

Cheers

Just as the weather turns nasty I have to do some work on the car…. :roll:

thanks for the help all


Ali Cabrio