Any diy car mechanics here?

[woody1]

Before I take the car to the garage...

Over the past few months I've had intermittent problems starting it.

When I turn the ignition, I can hear the solenoid click but the starter motor doesn't turn.
If I keep trying, after several* attempts, it cranks and the engine starts. (* sometimes it takes one or two goes, other times it's a dozen or more)
I've checked the battery and it's fully charged, and seems aok.

I'm guessing solenoid or starter motor is on the blink? They're a combined unit on my car, which makes things simpler, albeit more expensive to replace.

Thanks.

[WTFH]

Probably a loose connection or a stuck spring on the starter motor. Normally solved with a gentle persuader on the shaft of the motor,

What car is it?

[woody1]

What car is it?

2007 Audi TT mk2 petrol auto(dsg)

The car only gets used a few times a month, which may be half the problem. Previously had various things sticking eg. brake peddle, door handles, rear spoiler, turbo actuator.

[northernladuk]

In the old days I'd have just swapped the starter motor out. Happened on my old Cortina and Cavalier. Sometimes fixed with a few knocks of a hammer but never fixed it permanently. Was just a matter of going down the scrappies and getting another and fitting. That was in the days they were cheap, plentiful and you could get at it from both the top or the bottom of the engine. Now? Not a clue.

If this was me I'd be pulling the connector off and putting a meter on it to see if the motor and solenoid have different terminals. If they are the same one then deffo the starter because the solenoid works. If they are separate see if the motor is getting power. That said looks like you've got to take battery and battery tray out to even see it so with that in mind I'd be getting a second had one for about 30 quid and follow this video to swap it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qQWI6p-y5M

[northernladuk]

The car only gets used a few times a month, which may be half the problem. Previously had various things sticking eg. brake peddle, door handles, rear spoiler, turbo actuator.

They guys problem on the video was that the connection had rotted. If you aren't using it much it could be same thing. By the time you've taken batter and holder out you might as well replace it.

[woody1]

They guys problem on the video was that the connection had rotted. If you aren't using it much it could be same thing. By the time you've taken batter and holder out you might as well replace it.

The video is for a mk1. Mine's a mk2, and the starter is actually easier to get to (the battery is in the boot).

I'm a bit nervous about doing mechanical stuff on the car, for fear of screwing things up. I don't have a torque wrench which I assume I'd need to get to ensure the right tension on the retaining bolts.

[northernladuk]

The video is for a mk1. Mine's a mk2, and the starter is actually easier to get to (the battery is in the boot).

I'm a bit nervous about doing mechanical stuff on the car, for fear of screwing things up. I don't have a torque wrench which I assume I'd need to get to ensure the right tension on the retaining bolts.

Ah well there you go. There isn't much to screw up with a starter motor. I haven't searched for a mk2 but it's generally one electrical connection and two bolts. Don't need a torque wrench for a starter motor. It's not a precision item that is prone to warping. If you are bothered put some locktite on the threads but a good push on a normal sized wrench should be more than enough.

Google is your friend. There will a step by step page on it or even a video.

Interestingly while doing a quick search I found this thread https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/lo...ement.1907129/ in which is another picture of a broken cable, probably the earth/ground. That's the third time I've seen this in starter motor discussions while looking at this thread. I'd be willing to bet you issue is a damaged earth through corrosion which is why it works sometimes. It could be rusty and just hanging on by a thread which it won't for long. The motor isn't duff, it's not getting an earth so not spinning up. Problem is by the time you've got deep enough in to find it it's likely it will be just as easy to put a new one in.

[northernladuk]

If you can get in to have a look without doing any work on it have a look at this diagram. Not sure if it's the one for you but I'm just using it to show what areas to look for. Check 1,2 and 3 for corroded or broken earth which has been the issue in at least 3 threads I've seen and maybe number 7. It sounds electrical so check the cables if you can.

[sadkingbilly]

have you asked your hairdresser??

[woody1]

If you can get in to have a look without doing any work on it have a look at this diagram. Not sure if it's the one for you but I'm just using it to show what areas to look for. Check 1,2 and 3 for corroded or broken earth which has been the issue in at least 3 threads I've seen and maybe number 7. It sounds electrical so check the cables if you can.

Yep, that looks like it. I'll definitely do what you suggest, and check the earth connections.

I can't tell if it's possible to access the +ve terminal of the starter motor itself but, if it is, I'll get the missus to hold the ignition key in the start position and check that the motor is live.