General Chat

We have just got a VW passat, went fine to Liverpool on sat, now the starter motor, { we think } is constantly sticking } It is raining and wondered if its the damp, Can anyone help? Thanks, Caz xxx

Hubby says dont think is the wet is the bendix?? He says put it in gear and rock the car should unstick it.

Thanks Dawnie, My OH wondered that, will try what you said, Caz x

Thanks joan and Hoff for PM, Hub put new radio in and its been since then, was ok before so hes taken radio out, Caz x

An old Fiesta I had gave me the same problem. I used to give it (starter motor) a gentle tap with hammer and it would be OK for a few weeks then I'd have to use hammer again. In your case tho' as you mentioned radio prob' it sounds like an electrical prob. Ron

Thanks Ronald, We took the radio out and it started twice fine then it didnt, Ive had problem before and used hammer but need reliability as I go from work, school etc in the day, could a new starter motor be the answer? Caz xxx

Ello Caz. You said car a recent purchase I suggest you take it back to the dealer as 'not fit for purpose'. Round here there's usually a 3 month warranty on used cars when the makers warranty has expired. It could be a 'short' somewhere or a poor earth. Otherwise Might be best to get it in to a vehicle electrical service place and tell them wots wot and ask for a quote to fix but...... they might charge you for a quote. Is the battery up to strength? Dont forget a diesel uses a lot of electric power to start and as it is starting occasionally could well be the battery. Suggest have battery tested at any repair place - it's a free check. And another 'battery' thought - are the leads to the battery sufficiently tight? Wifes mini was a pia for the earth lead on battery working loose. If you do have to get a new battery get a heavy duty one. Don't forget to depress clutch when starting and make sure nothing 'electrical' is switched on - use this procedure even when your problem resolved I used to have a diesel. And yet another 'battery' thought - if you only do short journies could well be a battery problem. Hope all this helps. Ron

Bob and Ronald, Many thanks, will take your advice, Caz xxx

Hi Caz, it is all guess work,but if you say it started ok twice, then played up, it COULD be the battery a bit flat, try this.. put the car headlights on, blow hooter, if lights dim then it MAY be flattish battery,, try the starter.......if lights go out then it is still a poss flat battery..........OR a bad earth.. check to see if there is a biggish braided cable going from maybe the clutch housing to the battery, OR the Body of the car.. check the earth lead from the battery to the body of the car..all the terminals need to be clean, and tight..... a reason for a flat battery MAYBE the alternator belt slipping, have that checked as well.......or even more loose connections..... strange .....the radio being involved....why did it need to come out? Bob Bob