Help ! starter problem VW Golf Mk4 SE

[Ama]

It's not starting but the dashboard lights come on etc..does it mean that starter motor need replacing ? or the battery problem? it does start when I jump start..

[danielrcox]

Hi Ama, I believe you may be experiencing the same problem as I have yesterday.

Problem:
My T99 Golf TDI won't turn over, but all the dash light's come up correctly, and extinguish as I turn the key to start the engine (from the igntion point to the final turn of the key) but the rest of the car's electrics work correctly.

Troubleshooting:
I had the manual out to check that the immobilzer or battery (fuses etc) were not causing the problem and found that to be the case, so I called out the RAC to check it over. The guy was on the ball, and found the starter motor to be the problem (which i'm in the process of replacing).

Tip
To find out if the starter motor was working you attach a jump lead red clip (+) to the +ve terminal on the car batt and the other end (still red) to the starter motor + terminal, to give it immediate live (power) and if it's working it will operate if not it won't, that simple!

Hope this help's

Dan

[danielrcox]

Hi Ama, I believe you may be experiencing the same problem as I have yesterday.

Problem:
My T (99) mk4 Golf TDI won't turn over, but all the dash light's come up correctly, and extinguish as I turn the key to start the engine (from the igntion point to the final turn of the key) but the rest of the car's electrics work correctly.

Troubleshooting:
I had the manual out to check that the immobilzer or battery (fuses etc) were not causing the problem and found that to be the case, so I called out the RAC to check it over. The guy was on the ball, and found the starter motor to be the problem (which i'm in the process of replacing).

Tip
To find out if the starter motor was working you attach a jump lead red clip (+) to the +ve terminal on the car batt and the other end (still red) to the starter motor + terminal, to give it immediate live (power) and if it's working it will operate if not it won't, that simple!

Hope this help's

Dan

[Ama]

Thank you for your help Dan, I hope i dont sound stupid.. lol where do I find the starter motor ? lol.. the car does start with jump start but i'll try your way., so what happens if its start with yr way.. do i need to change the starter motor?, where will I be able to find a new motor/cost? thank you so much again

Hi Ama, I believe you may be experiencing the same problem as I have yesterday.

Problem:
My T (99) mk4 Golf TDI won't turn over, but all the dash light's come up correctly, and extinguish as I turn the key to start the engine (from the igntion point to the final turn of the key) but the rest of the car's electrics work correctly.

Troubleshooting:
I had the manual out to check that the immobilzer or battery (fuses etc) were not causing the problem and found that to be the case, so I called out the RAC to check it over. The guy was on the ball, and found the starter motor to be the problem (which i'm in the process of replacing).

Tip
To find out if the starter motor was working you attach a jump lead red clip (+) to the +ve terminal on the car batt and the other end (still red) to the starter motor + terminal, to give it immediate live (power) and if it's working it will operate if not it won't, that simple!

Hope this help's

Dan

[danielrcox]

Thank you for your help Dan, I hope i dont sound stupid.. lol where do I find the starter motor ?

No need to worry about sounding stupid bud, I only found out where it was when the RAC guy started attaching his jump cable to it! ;o)

Assuming your infront of the car with the bonnet raised, it's located at the very front of the engine bay on the right hand side (just to the left of the battery compartment) it's about a foot down from the level of the bonnet catch, infront of the the gearbox selection cables.

lol.. the car does start with jump start but i'll try your way., so what happens if its start with yr way.. do i need to change the starter motor?,

If it doesn't start with the live power shortcut mentiond in my previous post, it will need to be replaced or recondioned using a starter motor kit.

If it does start then their is either an engine managment problem or wiring fault between it and the ECU, you will need the diognostic port read by a garage to find out what the problem is.

where will I be able to find a new motor/cost? thank you so much again

I would recommend ebay or a reputible 2nd hand's part supplier or Main dealer if your happy to pay double the price (was quoted £125 plus VAT this afternoon).

I have just purchased a replacement of ebay for £64 plus £10-£15 delivery (brand new)

their is one 2nd hand for £60 BuyItNow plus £13 p&p (2004 TDI) Link below:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-VW-GOLF-G...QQcmdZViewItem


If you need fitting instruction's to DIY fit the Starter Motor (I will be), have a look at this excellent writeup on the VWVortex forum's link below:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2269482

oh and while your at it check out www.nowbelieve.com

Kind Regards Daniel

[Ama]

Thanks again Dan,

Will I be able to do the below without having to remove any parts or battery from the car ?

Tip
To find out if the starter motor was working you attach a jump lead red clip (+) to the +ve terminal on the car batt and the other end (still red) to the starter motor + terminal, to give it immediate live (power) and if it's working it will operate if not it won't, that simple!

No need to worry about sounding stupid bud, I only found out where it was when the RAC guy started attaching his jump cable to it! ;o)

Assuming your infront of the car with the bonnet raised, it's located at the very front of the engine bay on the right hand side (just to the left of the battery compartment) it's about a foot down from the level of the bonnet catch, infront of the the gearbox selection cables.


If it doesn't start with the live power shortcut mentiond in my previous post, it will need to be replaced or recondioned using a starter motor kit.

If it does start then their is either an engine managment problem or wiring fault between it and the ECU, you will need the diognostic port read by a garage to find out what the problem is.



I would recommend ebay or a reputible 2nd hand's part supplier or Main dealer if your happy to pay double the price (was quoted £125 plus VAT this afternoon).

I have just purchased a replacement of ebay for £64 plus £10-£15 delivery (brand new)

their is one 2nd hand for £60 BuyItNow plus £13 p&p (2004 TDI) Link below:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-VW-GOLF-G...QQcmdZViewItem


If you need fitting instruction's to DIY fit the Starter Motor (I will be), have a look at this excellent writeup on the VWVortex forum's link below:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2269482

oh and while your at it check out www.nowbelieve.com

Kind Regards Daniel

[danielrcox]

No problem

You don't have to remove anythink from the engine bay to perform the check

hope this resolves things for you



Dan