Starter motor problem

Hey guys, im hoping someone will be able to help me with a problem that i am having with my 83 GTI. For a while now, when i have been starting my car, as soon i put the key in the ignition and turn to stage 1, instead of priming ready for start up, the car starts instantly and then the starter stays engaged. To get the car to start, i have to remove the spade connector from the start motor, put key in ignition and turn to stage 1, i then have to go into the bonnet, touch the spade connector on to the starter connection and the car fires up.

I thought it was an ignition switch problem so i bought a new one but it made no difference, the problem was still there. Ive since fitted 1 aftermarket and 2 VAG switches but the problem to no avail. I was then told it possibly an ignition barrel problem, so ive replaced that, and it made no difference. I then replaced the starter motor, even managed to get hold of a reconditioned VAG motor, fitted it and…… still happening, although the car does start much quicker now.

Ive since checked the wiring that goes down to the starter motor (the one with the spade connector that i have to remove before starting) and there is a permanent feed going to the wire.  Obviously, there shouldnt be a permament feed going to this wire, it should only get power once im turning the key from stage 1 to stage 2.

My question is, why is there a permanent feed going to this wire, and what could be causing it? Is there a starter motor relay someplace?

I would greatly appreciate some help with this as its really beginning to get on my nerves   so thanks in advance

Have you seen this sticky from the top of the electrics section? Stater relay could be number 150 according to this? : The Mk1 Golf Owners Club
Might help 'til someone else can reply.

Ive had a look at the sticky mate and saw that relay 150 is for the starter motor. But according to Chudd's fuze box diagram, the starter relay does not appear to be fitted. Is it located someplace else?

Can anyone else shed some light on my problem?

Could you check a few things?

1: how many wires are going to your starter?

2: Does your Thermotime switch have a permanent feed to it? red with black wire to battery earth

3: Does it try to turn over with the fuel pump relay fitted?

If the red/black wire on the starter solenoid is permanently live when the ignition is on try pulling the fuel pump relay out , is it still live ?

Have you wired , sorry to ask , correctly the ignition switch

should be numbers and letters on back the switch

30 = red

15 = black

50 = red black x2 [joined]

x = yellow black

p = grey

30= battery live supply

15= power supply [ignition on]

50= starter solenoid and ignition power [cranking]

x= spare ? Goes to wiper switch ?

p= parking light switch

look behind the fusebox, you should see the end of the black/red wire poking out there. make sure its plugged into another black/red, and not a black wire. also, you might be able to spot some smaller black/red wires for the cold start system, make sure they are plugged into the right spots.  last of all, look in the engien bay, at the plug for the thermoswitch. this has a red/black wire also, check for dodgy looking splices.

oh, and iirc the red/black wire on starter has a plug in the engine bay somewhere, check that too!