Newbie with Auto that won't start

gerga · Post by **gerga** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:32 am

Hi all, Hoping someone has a clue about this maddening problem.. My 98 VW Polo Automatic will only start and turn over in Neutral(not Park) but as weather has been getting colder and colder it has been increasingly difficult to get any action even in Neutral. Sometimes after 1- 30 minutes of turning the key the starter motor will eventually kick in and start the engine. It is just like trying to start it it drive or reverse â€“ nothing. Yesterday after trying for 40 minutes I gave up and had it towed to mechanic who replaced the Auto inhibitor switch â€“ after that it immediately started with the first turn of the key! I drove it home then went to start it four hours later and it was dead again! The starter motor has been replaced in the last three weeks too. Any suggestions? thanks

gerga · Post by **gerga** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:27 pm

after that it immediately started with the first turn of the key! I drove it home then went to start it four hours later and it was dead again

Update.. With a great deal of pessimism I try it this morning and it starts first time! What can it be.? ..loose damp contacts somewhere but where should I start? On that big fuse plastic box on top of the battery? Thanks from a troubled Aussie.

Polo Paul · Post by **Polo Paul** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:26 pm

Is the non starting directly linked to the auto shifter position or just in general?

gerga · Post by **gerga** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:37 pm

I wish I could tell. Now I've paid $250 for the auto inhibitor switch and am having exactly the same problems, I think the non starting is not related to the auto. Even though when warm it still won't start in Park.

Polo Paul · Post by **Polo Paul** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:00 am

You checked coil, plugs, leads, distributor, fuel feed? any of them being rough means it could take an age to start, I wouldnt go replacing anything else until you've done some eliminating.

gerga · Post by **gerga** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:02 am

Thanks for the tip but would plug lead, distributor or coil problems stop the starter motor from turning? When I say it won't start I mean the starter motor will not kick in -it's like trying to start it in drive - all the ignition lights do their thing, the seat belt warning boinger goes off but not a sound from the starter motor.

It kicked in after 15 minutes repeated tryng this morning but no worries this afternoon - who knows what tomorrow will bring? I tell ya, mate, I'm about to do a Basil Faulty to it!
cheers from gerg the troubled aussie!