AHU Starting issue (Starter or ?)

[markd89]

Hi,


I have a 97 Passat TDI setup in my engine swapped bus. This setup is well sorted and has about 70,000 miles on it.

For the sake of simplifying the issue think of me having a stock 97 Passat, as all of the relevant components for starting are the same.

Symptom:
Sometimes I will turn the key and get a click from the solenoid and little or no rotation. If I immediately turn the key off and try 2-3 more times, the starter will spin and the engine starts.

Ideas?

Thanks!
Mark

 

[tdidieselbobny]

Ignition switch going bad?

 

[Mozambiquer]

Hi,


I have a 97 Passat TDI setup in my engine swapped bus. This setup is well sorted and has about 70,000 miles on it.

For the sake of simplifying the issue think of me having a stock 97 Passat, as all of the relevant components for starting are the same.

Symptom:
Sometimes I will turn the key and get a click from the solenoid and little or no rotation. If I immediately turn the key off and try 2-3 more times, the starter will spin and the engine starts.

Ideas?

Thanks!
Mark

Sounds like a failing starter solenoid. Check when it's not starting to verify that there is power getting to the solenoid, and then if there is, check for power on the motor terminal.
They're not hard to rebuild and good parts aren't too expensive. (I have rebuild kits for these) or you can get an oem starter, if that's the issue. I would not recommend getting a parts store one, as they all have gone to Chinese parts and I've seen plenty that fail right from the box, or within a week of being replaced.
If it uses the same starter as the 1z/ahu, I've got a reman one in stock as well.

 

[Abacus]

1) Ignition switch. They’re a known weak point.
2) Convenience module behind the headlight switch. The main starter power wires go through this and I’ve had them fail before. A common mod is to tie these two together, bypassing the module.
3) Ground on starter and/or battery.
4) Starter solenoid.