Thumb slipped during key ignition, weird noise from engine.
Discussion
Hi there,
So as the title says, I was starting up my car (1996 Mk3 Golf VR6) but my thumb slipped during the initial engine sound. I thought nothing of it and tried again, but nothing happened, so I tried a third time and still nothing. I got out of the car and noticed worrying noise coming from the engine, so I popped the bonnet and recorded the sound. It seemed to be coming from the area I focus in on in the video (linked below). Keep in mind that during the video they keys were out of the ignition and in my pocket.
I hadn't a clue what to do, so the sound continued for a couple of minutes before there was a crackling sound (two cracks really) and the engine went quiet again. I had a look around and checked under the car, but I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, so decided to bite the bullet and try starting the car again. It started up normally and couldn't hear anything out of the ordinary, so I tried again and it was running fine and I've had no issues since. It has worried me though, so I thought it wise to post this in the hopes that someone could share a bit of wisdom as to what it could be and if it's anything to worry about.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1isp6YEroI5Q2Yz...
This is my first post so apologies if I'm posting in the wrong area or anything like that. If so, let me know and I'll get it sorted ASAP
So as the title says, I was starting up my car (1996 Mk3 Golf VR6) but my thumb slipped during the initial engine sound. I thought nothing of it and tried again, but nothing happened, so I tried a third time and still nothing. I got out of the car and noticed worrying noise coming from the engine, so I popped the bonnet and recorded the sound. It seemed to be coming from the area I focus in on in the video (linked below). Keep in mind that during the video they keys were out of the ignition and in my pocket.
I hadn't a clue what to do, so the sound continued for a couple of minutes before there was a crackling sound (two cracks really) and the engine went quiet again. I had a look around and checked under the car, but I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, so decided to bite the bullet and try starting the car again. It started up normally and couldn't hear anything out of the ordinary, so I tried again and it was running fine and I've had no issues since. It has worried me though, so I thought it wise to post this in the hopes that someone could share a bit of wisdom as to what it could be and if it's anything to worry about.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1isp6YEroI5Q2Yz...
This is my first post so apologies if I'm posting in the wrong area or anything like that. If so, let me know and I'll get it sorted ASAP
It sounds like it could be the starter motor running but not engaged with the starter ring gear on the flywheel?
I don't know how this could happen, especially with the key removed - however on a car of that age it could be an electrical glitch or a brain fart with the ignition switch when your thumb slipped.
I don't know how this could happen, especially with the key removed - however on a car of that age it could be an electrical glitch or a brain fart with the ignition switch when your thumb slipped.
The noise doesn't sound right for a starter motor and I wonder whether there is anything else powering on as a result of the aborted attempt to crank it.
If it is indeed from the starter motor, for that to keep running suggests the solenoid stuck closed or, if the solenoid is powered through a relay, the relay stuck closed. I guess at that age it would have the pre-engaged type of starter, in which case there would have to be another fault for the starter to keep running without being engaged. If it's the older inertia-reel type, it could keep running without being engaged if the relay or solenoid had stuck.
If it is indeed from the starter motor, for that to keep running suggests the solenoid stuck closed or, if the solenoid is powered through a relay, the relay stuck closed. I guess at that age it would have the pre-engaged type of starter, in which case there would have to be another fault for the starter to keep running without being engaged. If it's the older inertia-reel type, it could keep running without being engaged if the relay or solenoid had stuck.
Your "thumb slipped"????
What does this mean? Was there some kick-back from the switch - impossible IMHO - or do you mean that you let the key spring back from the 'Start' position before the engine had started?
Moderns start all sorts of ancillary units running on start up, water pump, air con, GoK. I fear you are overthinking this! Take it to where you have it serviced for a check and specialist advice.
John
What does this mean? Was there some kick-back from the switch - impossible IMHO - or do you mean that you let the key spring back from the 'Start' position before the engine had started?
Moderns start all sorts of ancillary units running on start up, water pump, air con, GoK. I fear you are overthinking this! Take it to where you have it serviced for a check and specialist advice.
John
Edited by tapkaJohnD on Tuesday 23 July 09:09
On the end of some ignition barrels there is a small electrical sender(not sure of the right name) it sends the current to the solenoid that's the small cable going to the starter motor. They wear out and get stuck on intermintantly and keep it turning after starting.
I'm not sure if your car has one though.
I'm not sure if your car has one though.
@tapkaJohnD No spring back, just slipped as I was turning the key. I more than likely am overthinking, but with lack of knowledge I would rather be safe than sorry, thanks for the advice
@magooagain I'll get some research done and find out
Thanks for the insight guys, there's plenty to check if it happens again, thankfully it's been running smooth as since.
@magooagain I'll get some research done and find out
Thanks for the insight guys, there's plenty to check if it happens again, thankfully it's been running smooth as since.
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