Passat B6 Non starting

[nashyn]

Hi, Ive got a B6 2ltr tdi 55plate, Its been an excellent car, but the other day when I got home
I saw smoke coming from under the bonnet on the passenger side, I switched off the car, but
when I came to start it again it cranked over 3 times then nothing, now the car went even try
to crank. Anybody have any ideas? Ive had a quick visual look, ive removed the fuse box, it
looks ok.
Any help is appreciated

[RichardSEL]

So what state was the car when you saw the smoke? Did you have key in IGN? Was key in IGN position dash lights on only, or was it being started, turning over? Or had it already started and was in idle? How many miles? What was the last work done to it?

What state is the car now? Lights on dash but nothing else? Do you have a test meter?

[nashyn]

Hi, id just done a 20 mile drive, parked up, noticed the smoke from the passenger side under bonnet area, switched off the ignition,
put the ignition back on and attempted to crank, but its cranked 3 times slowly. Im thinking bad earth, relay? All the lights come on the
dash as should, but when I press the key in to start again nothing happens. As if the starter isnt getting a signal.
Yes I have a multimeter, I was just wondering if there was anything common before I start digging into the cause.
Its done 150k miles.
Cheers

[RichardSEL]

Am thinking starter motor or solenoid -- either stuck perhaps. Place your multi-meter across battery and soas you can see it when you attempt to start. If there's no start now listen for any clicks as key is pushed in? What is voltage reading on meter at IGN on only. And as you try to start?

Otherwise get yourself a VCDS Autoscan and post results here?

There's nothing common or usual for what you describe. Any work done recently?