TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Jun 07, 2004 11:29 am

i just reciently had a no start problem with my 1.8 SOHC digi jetta... :-(
when i tapped the solinoid (spelling) the car would usually start just fine, so i replaced the starter with a botch rebuilt starter, when the job was done it started like magic... was very happy. now it only starts every 1/3 times and it is not turning over fast enough... now i got a Tech Service Bulliten with my starter telling me of a head soak problem... it goes like this

CONDITION:

Volkswagen Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas and Vanagons are prone to a hard/no-start condition. This is Due to battery volktage dropping below 10volkts at teh #50 terminal of the starter circuit(solenoid connection) this situation is prevalent during short trips, extended idling or low rpm driving.

High under hood temperatures create a situation called "hot soak". thisis a situation where the resistance in the vheicle's wiring is so high (due to those high temperatures)that voltage cannot flow.

SOULTION:

Volkswagen suggest the installation of part #141-951-253B if the above condition exsist. this is a retro fit relay which should be installed between the "T1" connected of the right engine harness and the "T1" connector of the starter cable harness whihc leads to the #50 terminal of the starter solenoid (refer to the vehicle's wiring diagrams for further clarification).

so my car will not start/ usually after short trips... to the gas station or movie store... and hasent wanted to start very well when it is at operating temperature. i also had alot of trouble getting it to start this morning....

i understand short temperatures drain my battery... its not my battery it was replaced 8 months ago and i go on long trips 40km every day... atleast 30-45 min of driving

i dont know my alternators lifespan but it would appear not to be that problem as boosting the battery does nothing

if i take the cable which goes from the starter to the ignition and i touch it (using a 2nd wire) to the positive terminal... the starter clicks a fiew times and starts... (every time)

PLEASE help!
Thanks
Sorry for all the crappy spelling :-(

RS

Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:40 pm

xpoohx;

I'm no expert here, but I've not heard of the VW 1.8's being hard starters. I've got a crappy old Rabbit convertible, with the 1.8, and it starts just fine regardless of the temperature.

It sounds a little fishy to me.

Typically, starters that aren't in the best of condition tend to not have the power to start the car when it's hot. With the expansion of heat, the armeture either gets too close to, or makes contact with the magnetic fields and you don't get the turning power you need. If the shim bearings weren't replace in your rebuilt starter, this could be the problem.

Also, if your timing is advanced too far, that can make it hard to start when it's hot.

I don't know if any of this helps, but it might be a place to start.

JSH

Tue Jun 15, 2004 11:03 am

Try checking your grounds the cylinder head one and the block. Check em all. Other then without being able to be hands on I don't know what to tell you but that's a simple thing to check out.