Volkswagen - 95 1.9TDI starter problem

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Wed 12 Aug 2009 13:53
95 1.9TDI starter problem - Sofa Spud
I can't start my VW Passat 1.9TDI. It's an early TDI engine, 1995.

I think the problem is the solenoid. The relay in the fuse compartment clicks when the key is turned and the headlights DO NOT go dim. I have tried hitting the solenoid - makes no difference. One think I'm wondering is what the thin blue wire and blue connector on top of the solenoid are as its not the main power for the solenoid and obviously not the main power for the starter motor! Is it part of the engine management system? I know from past testing that if the blue connector is undone the starter doesn't work.

Any suggestions of anything else I can try before getting the car to a garage - I have one opportunity to try and bump-start the car as it's on a hill, but if it doesn't start it's stranded at bottom of hill!!! I'm saving that opportunity for if I have to go to the local garage!!

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 12/08/2009 at 14:31

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Wed 12 Aug 2009 14:30
95 1.9 VW I.9 TDI starter problem - George Porge
If you're anywhere near Crewe I've got a starter off a 1998 MK3 Golf tdi (AHU engine) in the shed
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Wed 12 Aug 2009 16:45
95 1.9 VW I.9 TDI starter problem - Sofa Spud
Thanks, but I'm a long way from Crewe. I should be able to source a secondhand starter locally or maybe get an exchange reconditioned one - but I still think it might be a wiring problem not the unit itself but apart from checking the obvious connections I'm out of my depth with multi-colured spaghetti!

Edited by Sofa Spud on 12/08/2009 at 16:46

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Wed 12 Aug 2009 17:39
95 1.9 VW I.9 TDI starter problem - George Porge
MY starter has 2 connections, one for the thick lead from the battery, another feed from the ignition switch to the solenoid.

Check the thick lead from the battery to the starter and the main engine earth (most likely IMO) from the battery are clean and secure.

I don't think there is a relay for the starter (that's the solenoids job), the relay click is something else being starved of current as the starter tries to use the power available.

Duff battery?

Try putting a jump lead from the neg terminal on the battery to the engine block to prove the earth strap is good / faulty.

Edited by Dox on 12/08/2009 at 17:40

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Wed 12 Aug 2009 20:02
95 1.9 VW I.9 TDI starter problem - Wurzel83
I had the same problem with an Escort 1995 diesel shrotly after driving through a flood. I coulod have sworn there was plenty of power there as when I turned the key it barely affected the lights. I then got a jump start off a passer by and bingo - it started. I drove around for 20 minutes and from then it struggled to start until I replaced the battery a few months later.

Nothing to loose by tring a jump start.
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Wed 12 Aug 2009 22:02
95 1.9 VW I.9 TDI starter problem - Sofa Spud
Quote:....""MY starter has 2 connections, one for the thick lead from the battery, another feed from the ignition switch to the solenoid.""

Mine appear to have 3 - the thick main starter lead, a medium lead which the Haynes manual confirms is tha solenoid lead and thin blue wire which I'm assuming is something to do with the engine management system.

Edited by Sofa Spud on 12/08/2009 at 22:03

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