Turning key to start nothing happens first or second?

Tiny
YELLOWGTI
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
  • 14,300 MILES
When turning key to start car(must press clutch fully down), nothing happens first or second, and sometimes third time. Then engine starts. What is it

To start my car, I must press in the clutch. Lately, half of the time there is no response on the first ignition turn. Lights come on, but engine doesn't turn over, nor is there any sound at all. It sometimes starts up on first try. Other times it takes three or four attempts. Each time I release the clutch, and press it down again before turning ignition. Never get any electronic or engine noise.

Sometimes when it does nothing I keep key turned on and clutch down and it starts after a few seconds, but I usually start over with clutch and key turning. Seems to happen more consistently when I go to start it back up after stopping and running in somewhere and engine is still hot/warm. But, the problem is very intermittent. Engine once running is fine.
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 6:49 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have a helper try to start the car and you smack the starter with a hammer onthe body. If it starts then the starter is bad or going bad. If not then it's either a relay or you have problem with your security system.
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Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Ignition switch problem. The next time it does not start, continue
to hold the key in the START position and then apply pressure to the
key (up, down, left, right).

A worn ignition switch will work again as you hit the "sweat spot".

Let me know if that works and I'll post instructions/links to replacing
the ignition switch.

Thomas
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Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
YELLOWGTI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Think that is what it is. When I push key in harder, or take key out, then back in and turn it seems to be reason it starts. But, it could be my imagination. I haven't tried tapping the starter while another person turns key. I'd greatly appreciate that link to replacing ignition, and in mean time I'll try the tapping of the starter.
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Friday, April 20th, 2012 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Here you go:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=105906

Thomas
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Friday, April 20th, 2012 AT 2:39 PM

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