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.

[R5GTTGAZ]

Are you sure you haven't just got a battery problem? Or the starter motor is packing up.

[Who me ?]

R5GTTGAZ said:

Are you sure you haven't just got a battery problem? Or the starter motor is packing up.

Or poor charging system .

Could try jump starting it , or take it to one of the tyre places that test batteries .

[cps13]

The battery is new and I have tried jumping it but still get the same clicking sound...

[cps13]

Also if it was the starter would it not have gradually gone? I mean like it would turn over but very lazily and then stop turning all together?

[munroman]

Hi, the clicking sounds like the starter solenoid.

Start by cleaning all the connections onto the starter, including checking that the starter to clutch housing interface is clean, as this forms part of the circuit.

Also check that the earth straps between the engine/gearbox and body are clean, (remove bolts and brillo/sandpaper both the strap end and bodywork), and of course check that the both the starter and earth cables are not corroded which old VWs are prone to have. (You might also try using a jump lead to connect the engine to a good earth point on the bodywork to boost the earth path)

You don't say what model you have, many old Vw's have a brass bush in the clutch housing which the end of the starter runs in, this wears and then the starter binds.

[Who me ?]

cps13 said:

The battery is new and I have tried jumping it but still get the same clicking sound...

That sounds like either a bad battery connection , bad engine earth or a dodgy solenoid /starter motor .
You can test the first by switching on headlamps ,then try to start - headlamps get very dim - look at battery terminals , little /no difference -they're probably ok.(BTW - headlamps should be nice and bright first -indicates battery fully charged)
Second one - find the earth strap from engine & make sure it's ok -connections nice and tight and clean .

(In both cases only takes a little muck to create a little resistance and at the starting current -little resistance *high current ,from Mr OHM -leads to few volts at motor)
Last one -- unless you've got a meter - time for an auto electrician . - If you have one ,and know how to use it - from memory maximum drop across solenoid is about .5volt(Warning - with solenoid not operating voltage across terminals will be full battery volts) .And charging voltage(with engine running) should be about 13.8v .

BTW -if you haven't got a meter -good aid would be a lamp - some sort of 12v bulb in a holder with decent flexible leads and INSULATED CROC clips . One end to -ve of battery , then start chasing feed to starter / solenoid .Connect up and look for decent light when starter energised .

Edited by Who me ? on Sunday 3rd May 19:55

[aka_kerrly]

i think you should try some back to basics mechanics.... if you hear a click noise from the solenoid and you are sure the battery is in good condition then i believe the starter is seized.
Get a long metal bar and hammer and spank the starter motor casing a few times and then see what happens ;-)

dave