VW Golf Starter

cherrytaz

Hi all,

I have a 2001 SE TDI Golf and the starter has gone (not even a noise upon turning the key)

Anyone recommend the best place to purchase one online (i'll be able to fit myself)

Would this be suitable?

http://cgi.ebay.ie/NEW-Starter-Motor-VOLKSWAGEN-Golf-IV-1-9-TDI-97-04-/250635693641?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM


Cheers,

Terry

Anan1

First off, are you sure it's the starter motor as opposed to the starter solenoid/battery/ignition switch/loose connection somewhere?

langdang

Anan1 wrote: »

First off, are you sure it's the starter motor as opposed to the starter solenoid/battery/ignition switch/loose connection somewhere?

Indeed, I had starting trouble recently that was due to the ignition switch. The switch was my first suspected culprit due to the type of trouble it gave, but it didn't stop people suggesting/offering me:
jumpleads
a hammer to tap the starter
a new starter/solenoid
battery
etc

Get to a good mechanic if you can't debug it yourself..

cherrytaz

Im almost sure its the starter. The battery is fine and when I turn the key all lights on the dash light up etc but nothing from starter. I double checked all connections etc and all I can think of is that the starter is gone. Up to now it has been making an awful screeching noise when the car started (I believe its as a result of a dry starter) and is was becoming harder and harder to start (maybe holding the keys up to 8 seconds when it would eventually start)

GTE

cherrytaz wrote: »

Im almost sure its the starter. The battery is fine and when I turn the key all lights on the dash light up etc but nothing from starter. I double checked all connections etc and all I can think of is that the starter is gone. Up to now it has been making an awful screeching noise when the car started (I believe its as a result of a dry starter) and is was becoming harder and harder to start (maybe holding the keys up to 8 seconds when it would eventually start)

The TDI's of that era were prone to chucking soot and dirt into the starter. Maybe something to do with how the air came up through the floor/front. Anyway, it would stick. Happened to me twice in 10,000 miles and is only going to get more common as the starter gets older but significantly more dirty.

Point being, if your starter has packed in and you get a new one, especially if you get a used one, it is something to just get checked every service.

Andrew Campbell

If you have a volt meter check the battery voltage, should be 12.6v
The starter has two wires going to it. the big wire held on usually with a 13mm nut should have 12 volts at it also even with the ignition off. the smaller wire usually held on with either a spade connector or an 8mm nut should have 12 volts at it when the ignition switch key is turned into the starting position. you might need a second person to help you with this. if it doesn't the fault is in the ignition switch (or possibly the start inhibitor relay if its an automatic) If it does have 12v then the fault is the starter motor. sometimes if the brushes are worn in the starter you can get a few extra starts from it by firmly tapping the starter with a hammer. You can get starters repaired (takes a day) or on service exchange (more expensive) if you are in a rush.
There are lots of auto electrical places across the country in the past i've used Myles Balfe in Phibsboro and been very happy. You usually have to remove the starter yourself and bring it to them,
If you dont have a volt meter to do the diagnosis you can use a test lamp which is nearly as good.

Esel

cherrytaz wrote: »

The battery is fine and when I turn the key all lights on the dash light up etc but nothing from starter.

You can still have lights etc. with a battery that does not have enough charge to turn the starter.

cherrytaz

Thanks for replies. I've taken off the starter and it appears to be seized up so I've ordered a new one and hopefully it does the trick. I think I have a voltmeter around so I will check the readings anyway.

cherrytaz

Just thought i'd update the thread. Turned out the starter was knackered. I bought a brand new one off ebay and put it on myself (saving myself a bomb!!) and it started on the first turn. Pretty easy job and means I have a new starter bought and fitted for 90 Euro