My car will not start unless I p*** about with it!!!

zahir_213 · Post by **zahir_213** » Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:52 pm

hi all,
Having a few problems with my MK5 Polo SDI. It all started this morning when I took my headunit out. When I went to start my car, I disabled my alarm like your would normally on a clifford concept 300, which is what I have, however although all the dash lights came on, the car just wouldnt start. I tried everything, the battery is all in good working order. I even tried jump starting, but nothing would work. So I thought might aswell use the AA cover I have never ever used before. They took 10 mins to come and the AA guy was very helpful. He checked everything and at first he thought my starter motor may have ceased up. However after testing this was not the case. Finaly he got my car started by attaching a wire from the starter motor positive to the battery positive for a few seconds. He explained to me that my immobilser must be playing up. He even offered to bypass my immobiliser so it would work everytime. I thought this wouldnt be a good idea, as the company that fitted it wouldnt really take kindly when I try and do a warranty claim. So I said I would be fine with wire to the battery trick.

Now from what I can see the clifford is working properly. The only thing I can think off is the factory immobilser is playing up. I have no idea where this is. Not too sure if this is the problem either?

Can anyone give any suggestions or help?

Thanks

polo2k · Post by **polo2k** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:49 pm

if you had just changed somthing to do with the head unit you may have disturbed the K-line which is a security cale so that if the HU is messed wth will imobilise the car
vww should be able to reset it

zahir_213 · Post by **zahir_213** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 6:35 pm

do u think it could be the ignition barrel ???

Nelson_Wilbury · Post by **Nelson_Wilbury** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:30 pm

Might be a possibility. In my experience it could be two things...

1) Ignition Starter Switch
2) Reader coil (which comes as part of the ignition barrel)

If I were you, i'd replace both at once as it could either be one or the other, and the labour charges involved 'guessing' won't make it worthwhile.

Cheers

Neil

*NOTE* This is my opinion on what it could be, if you spend Â£70 on a barrel and it don't cure the problem don't come crying to me!

KarlM · Post by **KarlM** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:09 pm

It will probably be the barrel (as Nelson suggested) as when my barrel went i had the same symtoms as you. (Nothing happening when i turn the key.)

does the engine turn over?

zahir_213 · Post by **zahir_213** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:19 pm

The engine does not turn over at all.
Took my car to the guy who fitted the alarm. He says he checked the immobiliser and it seems to be all good. He messed about with the wires for the ignition and managed to get things working. But he thinks it will fail soon. He suggested that is was the ignition barrel.

I suppose VW are the only people who will be able to fit the stuff i need replacing, proffesionaly. My father is a mechanic, however he says its a job for VW.

Gonna hav to save up for the labour costs then

KarlM · Post by **KarlM** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:40 pm

any garage should be able to replace it. Clark and Partners fitted my barrel (as it was done under an insurance claim)