VW Polo 2004 not starting after making noises

[JamCookie]

Hi everyone. I am wondering if anyone can help. My 2004 1.4 VW Polo has recently been making a weird noise when it starts. Its exactly the same noise as the one in this video at 9:35:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCSTPdNfxk&t=...

Now it won't start at all. Any ideas what the problem might be and whether or not they are related?

[stevensdrs]

The noise is from the starter motor, the bit that engages the flywheel to turn the engine over is noisy when disengaging. If the car no longer turns over then it is related. If it turns over but doesn't fire then it is not related.

[JamCookie]

stevensdrs said:

The noise is from the starter motor, the bit that engages the flywheel to turn the engine over is noisy when disengaging. If the car no longer turns over then it is related. If it turns over but doesn't fire then it is not related.

Thanks for the reply.

Im a little confused by the bolded bit. The car doesn't start at all now. Sometimes you can hear a noise like its trying to start and other times nothing at all.

[stevensdrs]

The starter motor is faulty then and you need a replacement.

[mids]

If the starter motor is jammed sometimes you can start the car by turning the ignition key and at the same time have someone give the starter motor a tap with a hammer (a tip Iearned from an AA man with his 'magic hammer'). You'll still need to get your starter motor replaced at some point but that might let you drive the car in the meantime.

[Mr2Mike]

JamCookie said:

Thanks for the reply.

Im a little confused by the bolded bit. The car doesn't start at all now. Sometimes you can hear a noise like its trying to start and other times nothing at all.

It's very simple: does the engine crank or not when you turn the key? 'Doesn't start' is not enough information to even begin narrowing the cause down.