Starting from hot

Have had trouble trying to start the car when hot, When I turn the key, I get nothing, at first I thought it was a starting relay, but I can hear it clicking, I don't hear the solonoid clicking across in the starter motor though. When cold it starts fine and after a while when hot It has started eventually (after 10 mins tonight). Anyone know what it could be? It's a real pain when you stop for petrol.  

Cheers,
Mike.

When you say you get nothing, do you mean it turns but doesn't start, or it doesn't turn? Do you hear the click of the starter solenoid? What happens if you turn the lights on and keep them on during starting?

If engine is turning but not starting could be leaky cold start valve/5th injector. Worth checking

The engine doesn't turn at all, and the only click I hear is the click of the relay, not the solenoid. I think the lights dim, I can't remember, I'll check next time it happens.

Cheers,
Mike.

The engine doesn't turn at all, and the only click I hear is the click of the relay, not the solenoid. I think the lights dim, I can't remember, I'll check next time it happens.

Cheers,
Mike.

if the lights go dim as well its a battery related problem   8O   losse cable or just knackerd battery  :wink:

andunp said

if the lights go dim as well its a battery related problem   8O   losse cable or just knackerd battery  :wink:

Yep, there is a bit of judgement too, though. You're looking for 8-9V whilst the car is being turned over and 12V or more while the ignition is on but not turned over. So, you're lights will dim but shouldn't go too dim, or out, whilst turning the starter motor.

Battery or its connections (they're not complicated - a thick wire directly to starter and an earth cable to gearbox mount is what you're checking) is the cause, it could be alternator as the root cause of the issue, though. Well worth getting a voltmeter and checking this out:

All electrics off , engine off:                      more than 12V
Spinning on starter:                                 more than 8V
Just after starting:                                   13.5V or more
..which should gradually fall, to…   :          12.5V approx
headlamps on, rear window demister, wipers, radio:
                                                            
11.5V approx

The battery does lose charge if the car isn't driven for a couple of days…but why does it only happen while hot?  

Cheers for the help.
Mike.

If you have a good electrics (voltage reading), but no starting, then its going to be a sticky solenoid (on the starter motor). The traditional trick is to carry a hammer with you, and tap it when it fails to work. But you're only borrowing time, so you may as well seek a replacement starter (or get yours reconditioned if you can afford the car to be off the road).

Assuming yours isn't an auto, at least the Golf is nice and light (and no cat) so bump-starting it is dead easy.