1989 VW Golf Clipper automatic cutting out randomly

Hi,
I have a 1989 convertible Mk1 VW Golf Clipper with an automatic gearbox. It has just passed an MOT after sitting on a driveway for two years. It passed fine but I have a problem with it. Sometimes from cold you get in it and the lights comes on but it will not start, give it 3 minutes and it does. It also happens when driving. It will suddenly stop in traffic and again, wait around three minutes and it will start again.
It seems to be random as sometimes you can get in drive it, park up, get in drive it again, no problems.
Does anyone have an idea where to even start looking for this random? I thought maybe it might have something to do with the automatic transmission. Any advice on what to start to check will be welcome and if you are in the Barnet, Herts area then you are welcome to look yourself because its driving me nuts.

Hello and welcome to the club Andy. I'm afraid I'm not much help on technical issues, I'm sure someone will be along to help soon though.

Andy.

We have a 1990 Automatic, it always starts fine but after it has been stood for a few days it acts as though the battery is flat when turning over. (lights do not dim too much) - couple of minutes it fires up instantly and then gives no trouble until laid up for a few days. We've changed the starter to no avail so just put up with it. The car has been doing this for the past 10 years and the only suggestion has been to strip the engine to see if there is an imperfection in the bores but loathe to do.

When you say " from cold get in and it won't start" do you hear the starter motor turning and it won't fire?
One thing that's always worth keeping an eye on is water getting into the car and dripping onto the fuse box and coursing the connections to go rusty, check under the bonnet that the drainage holes are clear and no grommets missing along the front scuttle panel.
  

mark1gls said

When you say " from cold get in and it won't start" do you hear the starter motor turning and it won't fire?
One thing that's always worth keeping an eye on is water getting into the car and dripping onto the fuse box and coursing the connections to go rusty, check under the bonnet that the drainage holes are clear and no grommets missing along the front scuttle panel.
  

Thanks for the response. When I say won't start it is the engine not turning, like the starter motor is faulty. I get the dashboard lights come on and when you turn the ignition they dim but no starter motor turning over.
I would think it was the starter motor if it wasn't for the fact that it can happen when you are driving. When you're driving it is like you've turned the ignition key off. I've had a look through the fuses and they do all seem to be making a contact but I'll have a go at cleaning the contacts. The drainage holes are clear on it.

Bella said

We have a 1990 Automatic, it always starts fine but after it has been stood for a few days it acts as though the battery is flat when turning over. (lights do not dim too much) - couple of minutes it fires up instantly and then gives no trouble until laid up for a few days. We've changed the starter to no avail so just put up with it. The car has been doing this for the past 10 years and the only suggestion has been to strip the engine to see if there is an imperfection in the bores but loathe to do.

Thanks for your response. I had something similar to what you had with a VW Beetle but a new starter motor in that case sorted it which is what you've already tried. With my Golf it is like it just loses power and the starter won't turn again, until you wait for 3 minutes and it doesn't matter how long it has been standing for before hand. It is very odd

when it cuts do the dash lights come on? if not i would look at the ignition switch