RE: Strange Starter Behavior

[Jonas Karlsson <jkarlsso@metabolex.com>]

Ray Dowling wrote:
>My starter has been behaving in a rather odd manner lately.
>When I first got my Scirocco, I couldn't tell for sure, but
>I would often find myself wondering if the starter hesitated
>to engage after the key was turned. Now, I can turn the key and
>hold it in the start position for up to five seconds before
>the engine turns. The battery is fine and this has been going
>on for months. After the wait, the starter even turns at
>normal speed. Rather strange for a failing starter, eh?
>Anyone else experienced this?
>
> Ray  -  '81 Scirocco S
>

Now, I'm no expert, but it sounds to me like you have a problem with your 
solenoid, not the starter. The solenoid, as I understand it, is like a 
big honking relay so that all of the current from the battery to the 
starter doesnt have to go through the ignition switch. When you turn 
your key, it allows current to flow through an electromagnet (coil of 
wire), which in turn yanks on a big magnet that then closes the cirquit 
for the starter. If there is a broken connection to the solenoid or if 
the solenoid is toast, your starter would thus never engage. If the 
solenoid works intermittently, as you describe, then when it does 
engage, your starter (which is most likely fine) kicks in and starts 
your car just fine. So to keep this short story long, I would check all 
of your wires going into the solenoid (on my 85, the solenoid sits right 
on top of the starter). If that did not yield any results or answers, I 
would find out if it was possible to replace just the solenoid, as this 
would be cheaper than replacing the starter. 

Also, now that I think of it, there is a small diagnostic check. I've 
never tried this, so ask someone else as well to make sure this won't 
cause any damage. I don't think it will, but just be safe. You could try 
to disconnect your starter from the battery, be careful with those wires 
though. Then turn the ignition. You should hear a -CLICK-. This is you 
solenoid engaging, and if it is engaging strangely, you can be sure this 
is your problem. It could be any of the wires that bring the current to 
the solenoid, so bring out that voltmeter and get testing. 

Hope that helped

Jonas    - 85 Scirocco  

 

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