No Crank, No Codes

[Garrison]

Hola,

Ran around all day yesterday with no issues, went out to start it today - engine cranked one revolution and then nothing. Hooked it up to a jumper box to ensure voltage (on a new battery) - still nothing

Ran VCDS and no codes came up

Tapped the starter, tried again, heard a click but no crank. Rolled the car in R and D and the car rolls so I dont think the engine is seized

Pull airbox and test starter voltage?

 

[super1]

Hola,

Ran around all day yesterday with no issues, went out to start it today - engine cranked one revolution and then nothing. Hooked it up to a jumper box to ensure voltage (on a new battery) - still nothing

Ran VCDS and no codes came up

Tapped the starter, tried again, heard a click but no crank. Rolled the car in R and D and the car rolls so I dont think the engine is seized

Pull airbox and test starter voltage?

Maybe this?

Hard Start / No Start - Is your intercooler frozen? Check Here!

UPDATE 12/21/13 New TSB issued that includes all VWs with CBEA and CJAA engines (Audi A3 is unknown), including Beetle and Beetle Convertible. See attached PDF for complete TSB. Intercooler kit changeover valve revised from 0C to 10C. Current TSB in PDF format -VeeDubTDI...

forums.tdiclub.com

 

[Garrison]

Maybe this?

Hard Start / No Start - Is your intercooler frozen? Check Here!

UPDATE 12/21/13 New TSB issued that includes all VWs with CBEA and CJAA engines (Audi A3 is unknown), including Beetle and Beetle Convertible. See attached PDF for complete TSB. Intercooler kit changeover valve revised from 0C to 10C. Current TSB in PDF format -VeeDubTDI...

forums.tdiclub.com

Thank you for your post! I'm hesitant to go with that logic for a couple of reasons

- I'm in the south, so not cold here (*yet)
- It worked 100% the day before (after the hurricane) so if there had been moisture it would have run through the system already

My thinking is either relay or starter; I just need to find the time to dig in and diagnose. At least I hope you're wrong

 

[Mozambiquer]

Hola,

Ran around all day yesterday with no issues, went out to start it today - engine cranked one revolution and then nothing. Hooked it up to a jumper box to ensure voltage (on a new battery) - still nothing

Ran VCDS and no codes came up

Tapped the starter, tried again, heard a click but no crank. Rolled the car in R and D and the car rolls so I dont think the engine is seized

Pull airbox and test starter voltage?

Yes, check for voltage both at the starter main terminal and on the starter plug. Do you have an automatic or manual car?

 

[Garrison]

Yes, check for voltage both at the starter main terminal and on the starter plug. Do you have an automatic or manual car?

Thanks man, car is DSG

 

[Mozambiquer]

Thanks man, car is DSG

Ok, so rolling in drive or reverse doesn't mean the engine isn't locked up, as the transmission doesn't engage unless the engine is running. I'd check and see if you have power down there at the starter. Would also just to make sure, check and make sure the engine isn't locked up, but that would be less likely.

 

[Garrison]

Ah dangit, I was hoping that was indicative - all good, I dont think the engine is "toofed". Will update with the voltages I find

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Alternator could be frozen too.

 

[Garrison]

Alternator could be frozen too.

Would there be any signs/symptoms other than <12v out of the alternator?

 

[Mozambiquer]

Would there be any signs/symptoms other than <12v out of the alternator?

A frozen alternator would mean that it doesn't turn, as in the bearings are locked up

 

[Garrison]

A frozen alternator would mean that it doesn't turn, as in the bearings are locked up

So in regards to turning over the engine, would a seized alternator prevent the engine spinning?

 

[Mozambiquer]

So in regards to turning over the engine, would a seized alternator prevent the engine spinning?

Yes

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Easiest way to check is to de-tension the serp belt & see if the engine and alternator will spin independent of each other.

 

[Garrison]

Finally got a spare minute to crawl under the car - engine rotates perfectly, definitely not seized

Working on hunting down the wiring diagram from my erwin download so I can ID the relay that controls the starter (potentially the fuse if applicable)

 

[Mozambiquer]

Finally got a spare minute to crawl under the car - engine rotates perfectly, definitely not seized

Working on hunting down the wiring diagram from my erwin download so I can ID the relay that controls the starter (potentially the fuse if applicable)

I'd recommend checking to see if you have power to the start terminal on the starter. It's a whole lot easier to start right there . If there's no power there, then go back from there. If there is power, and the battery is good, and the power at the starter is good as well as the ground terminals, then it's likely the starter that's bad.