Old VW not starting...

[cps13]

This is a bit of a strange one for this site i think but the generals may apply!

I have an H reg VW horse lorry which won't start. You can push start it (or tow start with a 4X4) and the engine runs perfectly.

When you put the key in the ignition all the lights come on and the light for the ignition coil goes out. However when you turn the key you hear two clicks but the engine doesn't even turn over.

There is an immobiliser on it, which i'm not sure if this is causing the problem. Does anybody know how to disable an immobiliser quickly or is it a mega job?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.

[MK_Bob]

Could be a sticky starter solenoid. Try (without getting your arm torn off by any drive belts)tapping the starter motor with a hammer or spanner while an assistant tries starting the engine. The shock can free the solenoid and allow it to engage the starter motors gear with the flywheel ring gear.

If it doesn't work, at least it was a free and easy test!

Edited to remove bad advice, thanks Pigeon!

Edited by MK_Bob on Sunday 3rd May 18:11

[ZeeTacoe]

dead battery

[Pigeon]

MK_Bob said:

it will be worth removing the starter and lubricating it with WD40 or similar

Never use anything other than graphite - not graphite grease, just graphite - to lubricate a starter engagement mechanism. Oily lubricants will attract dirt and dust off the clutch etc. and gradually turn into a sticky paste which makes it jam again.

[lenientism]

cps13 said:

When you put the key in the ignition all the lights come on and the light for the ignition coil goes out. However when you turn the key you hear two clicks but the engine doesn't even turn over.

How long the battery has been being in use? It might be sufficient only to turn the light on while it didn't have enough power to start the engine up.

[fatjon]

put a volt meter on the battery, if it drops below 10v when you hold the key in the cranking position it is probably flat. If it does not drop much at all then it is almost certainly the starter or solenoid. When the engine is running expect 13-15volts or more, if not the alternator is not charging. It's not an immobiliser problem or you would not be able to bump start it, at least not unless it's the lamest immobiliser on the planet!

Jon