VW Golf starting issues in heat

I recently had trouble starting my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 mk4 on a very hot (35C) day.

It made a loud grinding noise. I called road side assistance and by the time they got out the problem had stopped.

This happened a few more times on very hot days until the car stopped turning over all together.

I took the car to the mechanic to get the starter motor replaced - it was totally stuffed. The mechanic said he had seen this happen before so he put a relay in as well as a new starter motor.

There was a small amount of damage done to the ring gear resulting in a small noise upon starting.

He assured me that this will not result in any extra issues.

However on another hot day the car made the grinding noise again. The noise subsided once the car had time to cool down from the suns heat.

The car works fine in normal temperatures. It is only on hot days that the noise seems to appear.

Asked on 30 January 2012 by lukedall

Answered by Honest John
Damaged flywheel starter ring.
Similar questions
Is 106 degrees celsius too hot for the engine of my 2007 MINI? The warning light has not come on but the bonnet gets very hot.
I bought a 2009 MINI Cooper S in February. Since then I have put 1100 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed it was making a strange screeching noise when I pulled away from a standstill. My local garage...
When I turn the ignition key, the lights come on the dashboard but there's just a clicking noise and the engine doesn't turn. I've charged the battery using a battery starter as it hadn't been driven in...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer