Starter, Warning Lights and odd running

[2much]

Hi all,

I have just bought my Son his 1st veedub - 1.4E Polo 6N2.

All was good until Saturday;

Went to start the car and starter wouldnt turn, power sapped so much that the clock and trip reset, assumed starter motor stuck or faulty solenoid. Ordered new starter motor and bump started the car to get it home - started instantly but;

EML, ABS, Airbag, Brake warning lights came on intermittently, sometimes together, sometimes one at a time.Then they all went out, engine running ok at all times.

Tried bump starting today to get car to workshop to fit new starter motor, engine fired and tickover rough. Again the warning lights came on and something else - the rev counter indicates 1000rpm (fluctuating)but the accelerator does nothing at all, almost seems as if its being overridden by ECU or similar?

Son obviously gutted as car was given to him for 17th birthday last week.

Any ideas out there, i can do starter motor but worried there is an ECU fault..

Help would be appreciated....

[alexperkins]

Sounds like an earth problem

Check the engine earth strap and gearbox earth strap are in good condition and not damaged

[2much]

Thank you for quick reply,

Have checked all earth points and resistance OK.

Since then have now replaced battery and now all seems fine. I am assuming the battery (and not the starter as first believed) was the fault for not turning over and being so flat it was causing the running/warning light problem.

Next step to get the charging rate checked on Alternator.

Would have gone for battery first but with electrical stuff working until key turned (felt like jammed solenoid) but I have never seen the intermittent and then permanent multiple warning lights coming on.

Hopefully this will resolve but seems fine at the moment and at least stopped my Lad from moaning for a while!

Thanks again