Starter Motor

[MULLEY]

Whilst changing the fuel filter on my txd, i accidently managed to spill some diesel which went onto the starter motor. Didnt think anything about it, now whether this is a coincidence or not i'm unsure.

But the next day, got the glow plugs to come on fine, waited for the click then turned the ignition key to start up the car, & it tried a very feeble couple of turns then made a loud click sound. Tried it a couple more times & it wouldnt turn over

I thought perhaps the starter was buggered/stuck, so tried the rocking the car in 1st gear trick & even got the hammer on the starter, still the same result as above. Interior light fine, dash lights up ok & even the stereo works. I initially ruled out the battery being a bit flat based on the above. Anyone got any recommendations (i dont have a multimeter if you ask)?

[Tim Leech]

I would try some jumpleads from the wifeys mini, if its starts then its a good indication. Or swop the battery from the GTi?

[RxBX]

Hi Mulley,
It sounds just like a battery that down on power or is giving up !

But also take a read thro' these two thread for some extra ideas/solution in case its not LINK #1

or maybe a Relay conversion could be on the cards LINK #2

If you do get it running by just a battery swap/jump leads after running it say 5 to 10 mins check the voltage output from the alternator with a volt meter (With the engine running, if you can borrow a meter from someone or buy a cheap from Maplins or a similar shop) to see if your getting approx. 13.8 volts at the battery terminal connections and also just check the voltage when the battery's under load with all the lights including the main-beam on , heater blower on max. also the heated rear window and hazard lights on (also check the red dash charging lamp is not on or slightly glowing).
If your still getting approx. 13.8 volts and no red dash light indications the alternator is fine its just the battery needing a good charge if you've not been using it as much whilst you had the Gti on the road recently (Unless the battery's had it's day ) ?
Take it to Halfords for a free check once its been fully charged up to be 100% sure.
I hope this is of help and the info in the one of the threads should sort out your starting problem/s once checked out if it's not just the battery.
If you cannot get hold of a cheap AVO meter PM me so I could arrange something to help out !

[Vanny]

The starter is pretty sealed so i doubt you've damaged it with oil, alternators and oil hover DO NOT MIX, don't ask me how i know or i'll throw a dead alternator at you!

[citronut]

try just cleanning up the solanoid terminal (the small spade one), or even just give the it a wiggle

regards malcolm

[MULLEY]

Thanks for the advice chaps, turns out it was just a loose connection on the negative battery terminal A nice easy cheap repair

[kiwi]

Thanks for the advice chaps, turns out it was just a loose connection on the negative battery terminal A nice easy cheap repair

Haha yep had that one get me as well Only it was a break in the live that was causing a drain. Interestingly enough the Alternator recently showed signs of failure the diag test bench showed nothing wrong but on opening it was clear the Brushes needed replacing in what is the original alternator.