Intermitant Starting problem

**jrodd** · 07-07-2008,11:48 PM

Hi all can anyone help, I have a intermitant starting problem with my mk3 Golf GTI 2.0 8V. Sometimes I turn the key and nothing not one sound turn again nothing. Normally after a few minutes the car fires and starts.
Any ideas

thanks John

**STEWY L** · 07-07-2008,11:59 PM

Originally Posted by jrodd

Hi all can anyone help, I have a intermitant starting problem with my mk3 Golf GTI 2.0 8V. Sometimes I turn the key and nothing not one sound turn again nothing. Normally after a few minutes the car fires and starts.
Any ideas

thanks John

more than likely the starter motor on its' way out,but may be the relay,or a loose battery lead/bad earth.
if you have a bad connection/earth, your clock on the dash would go to 000000 when starting and would need resetting everytime.
if you can get at the starter motor,try tapping it with a hammer or such if it doesn't turn.have someone on the key,if it doesn't turn,but turns when knocked with the hammer,you need a starter,(assuming of course all normal ignition lights are on).
stewy.

**herby0001** · 08-07-2008,05:29 PM

Had a similar issue on my Mk3 - when turning the key all the way and hold it there (as you do to start the engine) there would be nothing for a second or two, then it would start. Turned out to be a dying battery - after it was replaced, after completely dying at a level crossing in the pi$$ing rain, it starts like a dream!