Starting Problem

[joncampbell]

Hi

 

I recently bought a C5 MK1. It has a problem with the lights being stuck on which I guess is a comm2000 issue. I can live with that. When I first bought the car it would start first time every time, but now, if I go to start it in the morning, nothing happens. Dash lights come on, but no starter motor.

I have found that it will start in the morning if I keep the key held right round. I get some clicking sounds through the speakers for a few seconds and then after keeping the key held round for i guess just under 10 seconds it cranks and starts fine.

It also starts fine for example if i've been shopping for half an hour, or short periods.

If anyone has any ideas I would be really grateful.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Jon

 

[Rookie2]

Hi Jon

 

I would hazard a guess that you have a bad earth (or even a bad power supply) somewhere on the starting circuit. That bad earth could be on the battery or even inside the starter motor itself, so it could be hard to trace. The fact that you are holding the key in the start position (which is generating heat on a poor connection) would indicate that eventually the generated heat is burning through the crud on the bad connection and then the starter works.

 

Is there any chance you could get someone to hold the key in the start position whilst you tap the solenoid on top of the starter motor ? Or alternatively connect a fluke to the red wire to the starter solenoid and see if you get a voltage when the key is turned to the start position..

 

 

Either a poor connection or a knackered solenoid on top of the starter motor assuming that power is getting to the starting motor at first turn of key.

Edited February 22, 2017 by Rookie2