Need Help starting the Golf

[DTolo]

Ok,
I got the key from the prev-owner. He found it and called me just a few hours before I had the door handles shipped out for keying.

-Troubleshooting I have done... Battery is at about 12.2VDC and I can turn on most everything with the Key in the Run pos with the exception of the headlights. Dashlights come on but not the headlights. The Brights DO come on when I click the "brights" switch.

-When I go to start, I get nothing. No noise or anything. Checked the Voltage at the solenoid and I am getting the 12V to the POS lug and I am NOT getting 8v to the smaller terminal that should be recieving it's voltage from Terminal 50 when the key is in the START position.

Where is Terminal 50? I want to check that to see if I have Voltage coming out at the source.

Of course any ideas from the experts are always welcomed.

[stoned_elvis]

is it a newer gti? if it has the two seatbelts. try hook it into the door. It wont start without them buckled up.

[DTolo]

It's a 1990. I did read about that in the Bentley and i have both seatbelts for the front seats buckled up.

[stoned_elvis]

your head lights will come on when the car is running. its suppose to save the battery in case you forget to turn them off.

[stoned_elvis]

and you have the clutch in?

[DTolo]

Clutch was in.

[stoned_elvis]

checked fuses? Im trying the easy stuff first. Did the original owner say what was wrong with it?

[DTolo]

He said it had starter problems, and would push start. Didn't wanna try push starting yet since it is a bitch and up hill to get back into my garage.

I was trying to verify the starter problem so I could buy a new one, but so far, It looks like it might be something else.

I didn't see a starter fuse under the dash.

[stoned_elvis]

it should have a starter relay. If the relay was good you should hear the fuel pumps. you can check the starter relay by jumping it. pull it out of the car and put a 12v and a ground to it. listin for a clicking. if it makes noise its good.

[vr6gtiguy]

also check the lines for fuseable links ( the section of wire that looks super thich, useualy a black shielded section ) could have poped one of thouse if they are present

[mike]

I'm in laguna hills and got a Bently for you if you need one to borrow, PM me

Is been so long since I've messed with a MK2 electrical problem, I couldn't even tell you where to start unless it was in front of me

[DTolo]

Alright, tomorrow I will be checking the line from the solenoid to the ignition switch, checking voltage until i find something. I'll probably start at the relay.

Thanks for the offer Mike. The car actually Came with the Bentley and a Chilton's.

[idrivea2002golf]

He said it had starter problems, and would push start. Didn't wanna try push starting yet since it is a bitch and up hill to get back into my garage.

I was trying to verify the starter problem so I could buy a new one, but so far, It looks like it might be something else.

I didn't see a starter fuse under the dash.


i can come help you sunday evening. my golf will tow that up a hill. i've pulled durangos out of mud pits :)

[DTolo]

i can come help you sunday evening. my golf will tow that up a hill. i've pulled durangos out of mud pits :)

Let me see what Sunday is looking like for me. I might have it figured out by then *fingers crossed*. I should be doing a stereo install this weekend too.

[Carlos]

give me a call, i got many things you can check.

[DTolo]

give me a call, i got many things you can check.


Will do, pm me your number cus I cleaned out my pms. Thanks again as always Carlos!

[DTolo]

WooHoo! Got it started!!! Running now, very boggy and rough, but Running none the less. Won't pass smog running like it is, but we'll see what to do next.

The fault was bad wiring coming from the seat belt switch to the seat belt indicator. I ended up just grounding the signal wire directly. I always rock the seat belt so the reminder won't be needed. Then, the car turned over no problem. I think the previous owner spent money on a starter that wasn't needed.

So, next step... Finding out why it is running so damn bogged. I put a couple gallons of 91 octane in and that puts it to just under half a tank. I guess a full tune-up would be in order. Oh and the oil light stays on. I put oil in it to the right level. But sounds like an oil change, and tune up are next.

Any other suggestions? Oh, I need a headlight too!

[mike]

Check the timing, also mice like to eat wiring of dormant cars

[DTolo]

Check the timing, also mice like to eat wiring of dormant cars

I don't know how... How much would a place charge for just that? I know it is going to need a new timing belt in the near future.

[Carlos]

did you jump the wire at the buckle or the door? i would jump it at the white connector next to the fuse panel. the harness can sometimes break in the door as well. thats what i was going to tell you to check. good job!

[DTolo]

did you jump the wire at the buckle or the door? i would jump it at the white connector next to the fuse panel. the harness can sometimes break in the door as well. thats what i was going to tell you to check. good job!

Yeah, I jumped it at the white connector behind/to the side of the fuse panel. Bentleys are awesome!

[DTolo]

Where can I get my timing belt and tensioner replaced? I called Midas cus they are close and they gave me the estimate of $300-$350. That is crazy! Is anybody down to show me as they do it so I can learn a thing or two? There would still be monetary compensation, but was thinking closer to $100 and I buy the parts.

[Carlos]

Where can I get my timing belt and tensioner replaced? I called Midas cus they are close and they gave me the estimate of $300-$350. That is crazy! Is anybody down to show me as they do it so I can learn a thing or two? There would still be monetary compensation, but was thinking closer to $100 and I buy the parts.
try it, it's not as hard as it looks!

[DTolo]

Ok, so I read the Bentley on changing the timing belt. It sounds like it's worth a try. It doesn't sound too difficult but what is the catch? I am still a bit nervous to give it a try. I mean, how many hours should it take me?

Oh, yes, was letting it run, and I noticed the power steering fluid res is empty. Also, I am hearing a ticking... uh oh.

So who wants to come over and help me assess the situation? I am in Oceanside.

[vr6gtiguy]

i live right down the freeway in SD man, ill pm you my number if you want some help this weekend

[DTolo]

i live right down the freeway in SD man, ill pm you my number if you want some help this weekend

Thanks, just got it. That would be awesome! I just ordered some parts from Parts4vws. Will post it up on the Progress thread. So, it won't be this weekend, but once I have the parts in and my wife is around to watch the little guy.