1g TSi won't start

[boostedjess]

Alright, I've searched the forums, and other sites.. but I'm not exactly sure what the problem specifically is..

I have a 91 FWD TSi 5 spd. with 85K miles, stock. Timing belt was changed at 68K miles, and I know I'm in need of an oil change, but I don't think it has anything to do with this..

I've had the car for 3 days, been driving it for 2. Ran perfect when bought.
I turned off my car to talk to someone, and decided to leave.. but the car wouldn't start.
I have the clutch all the way in, and when I turn the key, it just clicks, but under the hood it makes this noise, like a turning or grinding I want to say?

I was told by a DSMer it was the starter..
And I've been told that it was the starter solenoid..

The only way to start it, is to push start, or someone got a hammer and lightly tapped the starter while I tried starting it from inside, oddly enough, it worked. Not sure if that was the right thing to do?

I'm not exactly sure what to do, or who to go to for this. I'm thinking its electrical..

But if any of you would be able to help me, it would be great. Thank you!

 

[Mikelb]

If it makes the clicking and you hit it with a hammer and it starts, I'm 99% certain that it's that solenoid.

First things first though, make sure your battery wires are tight. Make sure they aren't corroded, and the wire to the starter solenoid is tight and not "pinched" anywhere. If all of this checks out. I'd take the car down to Advance, they'll check the battery (if it's a bit weak, it can make the clicking noise), and they can also check the starter for you. They will be able to check the starter itself and the solenoid.

If it turns out to be the solenoid, you're in luck. They usually carry these in stock and they run about $40, as opposed to a $100 starter.

It definitely sounds like that solenoid, but get it checked just to be sure.

GL
-Mikelb

 

[boostedjess]

Thanks. I actually went to Advance today, I didn't get treated the best being a girl, but I got the prices of what I needed, and the guy told me it's most likely the solenoid, which is what I'm thinking. I'll have to check it tomorrow to see if it's not being pinched and what not.

But we charged the battery, jumped it, to see if it would start, because if it was the starter, it would have started, right? It didn't though, so I think the battery should be fine..

 

[Mikelb]

Correct, if it were the battery, jump starting it would have worked. Now, my suggestion is, taking the starter to advance. They can test it (for free, I just had mine done).

Removal is simple. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. Remove the intake hose from the TB elbow and the lower IC pipe (or SMIC, if stock). The starter is on the backside of the transmission (looking from the front of the car). It kind of sits underneath the Intake Manifold. There will be two bolts on the bell housing that affix the starter to the flywheel. Remove them, then you will be able to pull the starter from where it is. Once you've got the starter out in the open, there will be one last thing to remove from it. That's the power wire. Then take it to Advance. They should be able to tell you the exact problem...

The solenoid will be the little cylinder that sits on top of the starter. It is easily replaced.

 

[shawn3168]

brushes are bad in the starter thats why it works when you tap on it (my dads an elcetrician only reason i know) by a new starter problem solved just dont by a rebuild or youll be back to beating on it with a hammer in 2 weeks

 

[Pauseflash]

brushes are bad in the starter thats why it works when you tap on it (my dads an elcetrician only reason i know) by a new starter problem solved just dont by a rebuild or youll be back to beating on it with a hammer in 2 weeks

Please, Dont assume of the batt that it is any one thing like that. It could, in fact be the solenoid, instead of the brushes. Actually, by the symptoms, the solenoid seems like a more likely solution then the starter brushes, as for two days prior it was running perfect. As brushes go, you will notice it having more and more trouble starting as they loose contact. A solenoid on the other hand, is more the like the symptoms because it will be an on off thing, as it works like a remote control switch powered by electricity. Tapping it with a hammer, would free up, a solenoid enough, to let it engage. They wear out in time. Just the way of the world.


I would def get everything checked. But I very much agree, sounds like a solenoid problem.

 

[boostedjess]

Thanks guys for all the help!

It ended up being the Starter and the starter solenoid, it is now in the process of being fixed, so hopefully she'll be up and running tonight.