Starter problems

[ericgtisuffolk]

Hi guys,I have a problem with my GTi starter that will not turn when I turn the key,it's just dead.If you push the car it starts and she runs perfectly.What could the problem with the starter be?
Thanx
Eric

[BobProperty]

Given it's a Golf, I'd be going for the ignition switch unless you have an alarm or immobiliser fitted.
If you put the ignition on and trigger the starter by using a length of wire on the battery +ive to the starter solenoid, and the starter works, then the ignition switch, alarm or wiring is at fault. Aftermarket alarms that are getting on a bit are likely culprits. If you haven't got an alarm / immobiliser (which might be unlikely with a GTi) then I'd be looking at the ignition switch.
If you do the bit with the wire and nothing happens, then the starter solenoid is the culprit but IMHO that's not very common. I take it there is no "clack" electro-mechanical sound when you try to start the car. You will hear this once each time you try to start the car when you turn the key to the start position (fullest round). I'm assuming not as you said it was "dead". If, however you are getting this sound, which is the started solenoid engaging, then the starter motor itself is the likely culprit.

[ericgtisuffolk]

Hi,yes I have a full closure alarm system which was fitted to the car when I bought it so this could be the problem.
If it is the alarm system then surely the car shouldn't start if you give it a push and the car still locks and unlock's when you use the fob.And yes there is no clicking when I turn the ignition key.

[BobProperty]

Think about it this way: everything still works, alarm and car engine except the connection between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. This is a common way of immobilising cars used by alarm installers and alarm companies. Either the alarm wiring has broken and messed up the original wiring or the ignition switch is at fault (a not unheard of problem on these cars). Possible but less likely, the alarm itself is faulty and, extremely unlikely, the original VW wiring has developed a fault.
Assuming the solenoid does work, then IMHO the list of likely culprits, in descending order is:
Alarm wiring
Ignition switch
Alarm itself
OEM wiring

I'm also assuming you have a decent alarm and not some £25 Chinese import off ebay.

[ericgtisuffolk]

The full closure alarm was installed here in the UK and the car is also fitted with a factory Conlog immobiliser,checked the wiring,cleaned starter connections and disconnected battery but this did not reset the alarm.
How can I check if it is the ignition switch?

[BobProperty]

A quick Google says Conlogs were fitted by a lot of VW dealers in the mid 90s. They aren't in existence any more.

Go back to post #2. Try what I put there about seeing if it will start by putting a wire from the battery positive to the starter solenoid terminal which should make the starter turn over. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL. (otherwise as a minimum you look stupid in A&E and at worst you get a Darwin Award)
If this works, which I'm half expecting it will, then it is very likely either the alarm or the ignition switch. Hopefully, you can trace where the alarm has been fitted to break the ignition starter circuit and try putting the wire back together. Alternatively, if you have a multimeter or some way of checking the continuity, you could work out if the alarm is the problem. If you bypass the alarm break and you are sure you have connected the wire back up, then try the key to start it. If it works then it was the alarm. If it still doesn't work off the key then suspect the ignition switch. Now I can't remember whether you can check the switch by getting to the wiring and putting 12v on it because the one time I've had this problem it was on a car without an alarm (so it had to be the ignition switch)

[ericgtisuffolk]

I found where the alrm box is but it is in such a tight spot that I will have to try again and somehow get that box out of there.Will let you know what happens.

[ericgtisuffolk]

Thanx for your help so far

[BobProperty]

I found where the alrm box is but it is in such a tight spot that I will have to try again and somehow get that box out of there.Will let you know what happens.

Don't go pulling the box out, just see if you can trace a wire or two connected to the wire from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid.
According to my "generalised" Haynes guide the original wire is red or red with a black trace.

[ericgtisuffolk]

Thanx for the help guys, changed the starter yesterday and the car is going again,very happy now.