Mk1 Golf Gti not starting (electrical issue?)

[palmeraaron1]

Hi all,


I have tried turning over my MK1 Golf GTi for the first time in a year or so and have nothing!

Since the non-response I have replaced the battery and starter motor (inc solenoid) (albeit not the brass bush at the flywheel) and still have nothing when I turn the key. I can hear the fuel pump priming (although it is basically out of fuel) but there is no sign of the engine turning whatsoever.

Please help.

Thanks in advance.

[steveo3002]

multimeter and test for voltage at the starter main cable , and the solenoid wire when cranking

check the earths too

[tristanh]

Did you try putting it in top gear and giving it a push, to make sure it's not seized? Or take out the plugs?

Otherwise, could be a bad earth. is the small wire on the solenoid getting 12v with the key at the start position?

[palmeraaron1]

Jumping the starter and she jumps into life immediately and ticks over like a dream.

[duggers]

Check the earth strap from the gearbox to the body.
Check for power on starter solenoid main connector.Terminal 30 , top one secured with larger nut.
With the key in start position check for current at other terminals , 50 (spade connector)and 3 field winding connector (smaller nut)
No power at 50 on start position indicates ignition switch issue.
As the car starts with direct access to the starter poles it's likely a poor connection somewhere, see point 1 above.

[silver63]

As you say ‘jumping starter direct’ rules out a starter,earth and main feed fault.No feed from ignition switch too solenoid.Check plug on back of ignition switch.Seem to remember early golf starters went through relay on fusebox(notorious problem area on 80’s vw range).