Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
Starting Problem
I'm Posting this for a friends at work with a '94' Polo Green 6speed Coupe. They are having problems starting their car. When they try to start the car they get a clicking sound and on the fifth or sixth attempt, the car starts. They replaced the battery two weeks ago hoping to fix the problem. Also they said the cables are in good shape (not corroded). Looking for any trouble shooting tips anyone can offer on how to diagnose if it is in fact a bad starter or relay, possibly VATS?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, WV
Re: Starting Problem (tdock)
I am curious as to miles on the car. Like maybe a worn stater or solenoid. That kind of sound is indicative of a bad connection someplace or like worn brushes in the starter. When they cleaned the terminals did they take the screws out and clean behind them?
Make sure the wiring is intact and not loose at the starter. make sure the ground cable is tight too.......... could it be a defective new battery?..... had one once on my Tahoe. :seeya
Make sure the wiring is intact and not loose at the starter. make sure the ground cable is tight too.......... could it be a defective new battery?..... had one once on my Tahoe. :seeya
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Starting Problem (tdock)
Where is the clicking sound coming from? VATS is ok if they can hear the start enable relay clicking behind the center of the dash. Check the clutch switch, or jump it when it won't crank. Measure the battery terminal volts when cranking. This voltage shouldn't drop below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged, at the end of its life, or poor cable lug connections to the battery. Also check for bright and tight negative cable to the frame and the braid from the frame to the left head. If all this checks ok, then I would suspect the starter. Have the starter checked for free at a parts store that does this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: Starting Problem (jfb)
I'd bet money on the starter solenoid. Mine did that for a while and progressively got worse. There are two copper contacts inside the solenoid that wear out. I made a new one for mine and it has been working flawlessly for the past two years.
