AndyP
Member
Fixed my fathers A2 no-start issue, thanks to all the info on here.
He has a 2004 TDI 90, recently had a couple of instances where it wouldn't start (not even attempt to turn over). These have be one-offs where if he attempted again it started ok.
2 days ago it wouldn't start at all even with multiple attempts. So I told him to charge the battery, try again and try a different key. He tried that yesterday, still no attempt to turnover. So from the info on here it sounded like a supply or earth issue to the starter - potentially the earth behind passenger headlight.
I used my project A2 to gather the tools necessary, identify the earth lead and starter and called over to his.
Plan to do the starter end of the earth at the next service as well.
- Visual inspection of battery, battery terminals etc all good.
- I tried to start it, no immobiliser symbol on dash, keeping the key in the start position and wiggling still no start.
- Turned lights on and attempted again - lights dimmed.
- Visual inspection and pull/ wiggle of his earth lead behind the headlight looks really good, but still no start.
- Attached jump lead to starter motor body and another bold in engine bay that looked to be attached to chassis.
- This time the car turner over... slowly, improvement so probably the earth lead.
- Removed earth lead (headlight point only), cleaned it and the attachment point up with wire brush and wet/dry sandpaper then rubbed down with contact cleaner.
- Reassembled and car started fine on multiple attempts.
Thanks folks for the wealth of info on here - really helped in getting this one up and running quickly.
John
Probably worth installing a second earth while you're there.