Volkswagen Polo Ignition

[oldhamfan]

My wife has a VW Polo 1.2 (65) 2002 '52' plate. It gets very little use, around 1,500 miles per year.

When I bought the car for her two years ago I had the starter motor replaced as it was making a noise. Everything was OK until recently, the car will simply make a click noise when you try to start it. If you try again, it starts and runs perfectly.

However, more recently still, the number of clicks and attempts has increased; last night it took 5 or 6 click attempts before the car started.

I would assue that it was a faulty starter but for the fact that it only had one fairly recently. Could it be the immobiliser? We only have one key for the vehicle, which has an aftermarket Cobra alarm fitted.

What is likely to be causing this fault and what is the likely cost of repair?

Thankyou all in advance for your help.

[TWR]

You are not putting into the battery what you are taking out, if that makes sense, If you have a battery charger leave the battery on charge for 24hrs with the CAPS off the top of the battery. ( If they have them) that will cure your problem.

[oldhamfan]

Just checked and the positive terminal is ever so slightly loose. Is that likely to have caused this?!

[oldhamfan]

Evening TWR, thanks for the answer.

I think the battery is fully charged, as when the starter does turn it turns quickly and starts immediately; it just takes a couple of clicks before it does.

Thanks!

[TWR]

Hi Oldhamfan, that may be the cause of your problem. If there is a bad connection at the battery in-turn that effects the starter.

[oldhamfan]

Thanks TWR and Darren for your excellent advice. I have tightened the terminal but I think there is something wrong with it as it won't tighten completely. The nuts move (quite) freely but when they are tightened to the maximum the terminal clip still moves, albeit the minutest amount.

Having tightened it though the starter now starts every time so thanks both for your quick and helpful answers.

[TWR]

Hi, If you can, replace the nut & bolt or replace the clamp as you may find you will get the same problem again.

[oldhamfan]

Hi again TWR,

I will have to take the connector off and have a look at it when I have a moment, as it tightens a little, but not completely. I have never taken the battery off the car so I don't know how it has become so weak.

Thanks for taking the time to offer advice, I appreciate it.

[TWR]

Hi again, just to Conclude be aware, when you disconect the battery terminal you will need to re-insert your radio code, if you have not got the code, befor you take the lead off, connect a jump lead from another car to whatever terminal you are changing that way you will not loose the code.

[oldhamfan]

First class advice. Thanks again TWR.

[oldhamfan]

It certainly did, and no doubt saved me a packet. Great advice, thanks very much for your help.