Golf mK3, problems starting, not turning over till 3rd attempt or so

[rosie]

1.4 P reg and she is not happy. Has started cold last 2 mornings, but after a 20 mile trip, and then left for 10mins, then today half hour she won't turn over.

All lights on dash come on fine. If i try a couple of times it works ok. any ideas, and help much appreciated. I am not by any means a mechanic, lol so is there anything i can do myself, or check for now?

thankyou

[SammoVWT]

Does it make any noise when it fails to turn over?

[rosie]

hi there, no nothing, just turn the key and the lights come on, then try a few times and she turns.

[SammoVWT]

Can someone with a voltmeter check your battery when its off/on?

It should be at least 12v while its off, and around 14 when its running. This will let you know if the battery/alternator/belt is at fault.

Quick way to try and tick one possibility off the list

Could also be starter solenoid, starter motor connection, sticky starter motor, or maybe a bad ignition switch, or even an immobiliser problem

It will be a case of narrowing all that down one by one

[Crasher]

Most likely, it is a sticking starter motor if it only happens when it is hot. The Golf 3 ignition switch is unreliable but it would play up when cold or hot.

[psj1969]

I believe that when you turn the switch forward to crank position, the cluster lights should go dim if the switch is sending power to the starter. If they don't then it's likely a switch/wiring problem.

I know that's not a solution but it should rule out a couple of things.

Here's a link to the switch issue I had. https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...219#post543219