Car not starting in cold - Golf MK4 - 1.6L - W Reg

[charlie789]

Chaps,

Any ideas on this issue, which my brother is seeing..

It took me a few goes to get the car started this morning.

I turned the key and nothing would happen, in the end I had to do the following:

Put the car into first gear, put my foot fully on the accelerator and turned the key all at the same time. After a few seconds the car started to turn over very slowly, a few seconds after it seemed ok. I know it's a bit cold today but usually it starts first time.

Although, I had this problem of not starting last Thursday afternoon, so it can't just be the cold morning starts

Is the starter motor on its way out?

Anti-Freeze is topped-up already

[pingpongpo]

It may be the battery although it could be something else like the starter motor or solenoid.

I assume you are getting some sort of action when you turn the ignition key so it probably isn't the solenoid.

If you weren't getting anything its either a dead battery or the solenoid is borked.

If you're getting slow turn over its more than likely the battery. Check you haven't left the lights on or something stupid overnight (Radio off? Boot light go out when you shut it? etc; etc)

You could always take the battery into your local motor factors and they'll test it for you.

[charlie789]

thanks for the response Simon,

I will check the battery voltage with a Multimeter.

Lights have remained off on the car all the time, from my memory.

when u turn the key in the ignition, there was no clicking sound, but after 4 attempts the engine came on for a second then cut-off after a second. Then u try it again and it stays running - could this be the starter motor?

Just tried it now and basically, the engine cuts-off after a second, but works stays running the next time u turn the ignition on

does this point to the starter motor or coil

thanks

[charlie789]

Ive checked the battery and its 12.4v

so that seems fine

so leaves the starter motor or coil, more like to be the coil as once the car starts, its fine, smooth drive home

[pingpongpo]

The problem with measuring a battery is that it has to be done under load.

The battery will be fine when there is no load on it but as soon as a heavy current draw is put on it, it will fail.

This is normally witnessed if you have a dud/flat battery by being able to get into the car (Interior light works) and even put the radio on (Assuming you haven't got some kind of pimp my ride system) and everything's fine.

As soon as you go to turn over the engine, it doesn't want to know.....

With regard to the other stuff you mention like coils and stuff, I'm not that much of an expert, I've just had some run in's in the past with batteries so know some stuff to look out for.

I was hoping Mulkbear would turn up and dig me out of a hole to be honest

[charlie789]

thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated