VW Polo wont start (R Reg)

[JaFool1]

Hello,

Our R Reg VW polo wont start.

When you turn the ignition once all the of the dash lights up normally, but then when you go to start it, there is nothing, no turning over, no clicking, just nothing.

What is strange is that when you release the key from the start the speedo starts to kind of twitch and vibrate and makes a whirring noise for a few seconds.

It does seems as though the battery is dead as the windows will barely open, and the stereo wont come on. It is just this speedo noise and twitching that is putting me of trying to jump start it.

Any advice?

Cheers

[kiethton]

Battery

Had exactly the same with my old Focus

[mnkiboy]

Classic sign of dead battery. If the windows and stereo struggle, it must be very flat indeed.

[cheesesliceking]

wait, what? actual auotmotive advice on Pistonheads...

[R11ysf]

As above 99% battery, so charge it up and try again.

ALSO, check all your interiors lights, boot lights etc etc. For a battery to be that dead (not in the middle of winter) then a light must have been let on or there is a short in the wiring somewhere.

[CraigyMc]

As stated, battery. Any idea how old the battery is? They often have labels on.

If it's not ancient you might end up chasing a broken alternator or similar, which is the same problem but a potential root cause.

C

[LuS1fer]

That era Golf also had issues with the ignition barrel for which you can get repair kits on ebay. the bottom part is nylon, wears and then doesn't turn so have the battery checked before replacing it (as I did...pointlessly)

[JaFool1]

I think the battery is fairly new, maybe 12 months old.

I will go give it a jump start now,

Hoping someone has left a light on or something and it is not the alternator

[CraigyMc]

JaFool1 said:

I think the battery is fairly new, maybe 12 months old.

I will go give it a jump start now,

Hoping someone has left a light on or something and it is not the alternator

Jumpstart is the way forward for you, yep.

Has the car been used very much recently or has it been left parked for a while?

C

[cobra kid]

Anyone mentioned it could be the battery?

[*Al*]

If the windows are struggling it's almost certainly a flat battery or dead cell. You need to find the route cause as it could be a charging issue.

[northwest monkey]

cobra kid said:

Anyone mentioned it could be the battery?

Not sure, but it could be that the battery has gone flat.

[CraigyMc]

northwest monkey said:

cobra kid said:

Anyone mentioned it could be the battery?

Not sure, but it could be that the battery has gone flat.

I think people have been trying to mention the battery. There has been a battery of messages on this.

In other news, I'm currently listening to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ7Aif5aXlQ

[JaFool1]

Yep, it jumped started no problem.

I have left it running for a while, to see if it start again by itself.

I couldn't see any lights or anything left on. I wish I had a multimeter to stick on the alternator....

ETA: The car is used pretty often, was used yesterday for an hour or so

[LuS1fer]

Again...ignition barrel. Google it.

[Justin S]

Check the boot closes properly, there is a light in there. VOE from the daughter not closing it properly. Battery charger and shut boot= cure for her.

[JaFool1]

Just tried to start it again, and nothing, deader than a dead thing.

LuS1fer said:

That era Golf also had issues with the ignition barrel for which you can get repair kits on ebay. the bottom part is nylon, wears and then doesn't turn so have the battery checked before replacing it (as I did...pointlessly)

I will get the battery checked first. How does this ignition barrel problem affect the battery / charging?

[CallorFold]

JaFool1 said:

Yep, it jumped started no problem.

I have left it running for a while, to see if it start again by itself.

Probably best to take it for a bit of a drive, 15-30min or so

[Liquid Tuna]

if the battery is just 12 months old it should still be under warranty.

[CraigyMc]

CallorFold said:

JaFool1 said:

Yep, it jumped started no problem.

I have left it running for a while, to see if it start again by itself.

Probably best to take it for a bit of a drive, 15-30min or so

If doing this, try not to stall anywhere..