Every so often my '96 Passat TDI won't start due to what appears to be a sticking starter solenoid. What happens is when I turn the key to the start postion the engine doesn't crank at all. About half of the time this happens if I go tap on the starter solenoid with a wrench the car will then start. When that method doesn't work I have to have someone sit in the car and hold the key in the start position while I tap on the solenoid. This has not yet failed to get the car to start.
Is it possible to take the solenoid off of the car without removing the whole starter? I would like to just clean the sliding/moving contacts that are responsible for completing the circuit to energize the starter motor. Is this the right approach? If not is there a source for replacement starter solenoids?
Is it possible to take the solenoid off of the car without removing the whole starter? I would like to just clean the sliding/moving contacts that are responsible for completing the circuit to energize the starter motor. Is this the right approach? If not is there a source for replacement starter solenoids?