has my starter motor gone??

hi folks,
started the Golf('93 1800cc cabby) last night no probs(1st turn of key) and nipped about half a mile to the shops.got back in 5 mins later and turned the key and nothing……electrics came on,lights,heaters etc but engine never turned over.could hear the clicking in the engine bay but nothing after that…………. :cry: .
ended up having to be towed home and after just passing its MOT last thursday i am considerably miffed about this latest mishap.
any ideas?
thanks in advance
rob.!

Sounds like a sticky solenoid - hit it with a hammer to unstick it. If it keeps doing it, then its time for a new/reconditioned starter motor.

Also, make sure your alternator is charging properly and the electrical connections are in good condition, and that the battery isn't goosed. These things will also produce the above symptoms, more or less.

cheers paul.breakdown guy was pretty useless tbh but he did check the battery and said there was a good charge in it.a guy in work also thought that hitting the starter motor with a hammer may help to "unstick" it.
will give this a go later!
any advice on what exactly is the procedure on attempting this is would be super.!or is it just a case of whacking with a hammer!??

1. Hit solenoid with a hammer or other heavy object
2. Try to start car
3. If it doesn't start, go to 1

thanks paul.give it a shot after work.!

I've had these symptoms on a few cars in the past, my cab's starter motor did this and as the previous posters have said I hit it with a hammer and it started fine, then the car developed some new symptoms which seemed to mimic the battery being flat. The starter moter then finally gave up the ghost, luckily I was at home at the time.

I had a pug 309td before which would sometimes just click in stead of turning the car over, it was fine once you tried it a few times. That starter didn't die on me, it seemed to get better over time! until some old women drove in to me on a roundabout and I sold it for £93 on evilbay!

Best source a recon starter motor if i where you, either that or see if the solinoid is replaceable on it?