I went to start the pride and joy, freshly cleaned, this morning... and entered a world of hurt.

Key in, ignition... it sort of turned over, it wasn't a normal turn over though. Very hard to explain. It was like it turned over for a split second, died, turned over for a split second, died ... repeat. As it sounded dodgy I only did this for a second and let go of the key. Upon trying again, it did the same but sounded much weaker and just completely died. Turning the key did nothing at all. I tried a good ten times and nothing.

I left it for a couple of minutes after calling home for advise, and tried again. It was back to the stuttery on/off turn over. I held the key for a couple of seconds this time, thinking what the hell, and it started. I left it idling for a few minutes whilst on the phone home...

Turned off, ignition... started fine, as if nothing happened at all.

I have noticed very recently that my starter motor seems to keep spinning after starting. It makes a crunching grinding noise. Not sure if this is normal?!

Drove 10 miles to work without a problem. It's still starting on the key. Strangely the engine seems smoother too, but I have no idea why that is.

TIA for any help / suggestions / general comments!

Sounds like the battery to me, I had similar symptoms and a nice new battery cured it.

Ah. It could be that then I guess. I don't think I have ever changed the battery since I have had it.

Anyone recommend me a decent battery (buy once, buy good)? ASZ engine, so I don't think it's the new smaller battery I have read about.

It's cold again out there.

Got to be battery.

Try starting it up this afternoon when it's warmer and i'll bet it'll start fine.

It's cold again out there.

Got to be battery.

Try starting it up this afternoon when it's warmer and i'll bet it'll start fine.

It did cross my mind, but it was absolutely fine during winter and I am sure it was colder then. I'll still try replacing the battery anyway though.

It was starting absolutely fine again after I had left it idling for a couple of minutes this morning.

Madness!

Not the battery. It's that starter motor wire again. Previously repaired it at the plug, but it must have come loose elsewhere I think. Turned key and nothing happened at all after work, wiggled the wire and it started straight up like normal.

Another job for the weekend....!

Not the battery. It's that starter motor wire again. Previously repaired it at the plug, but it must have come loose elsewhere I think. Turned key and nothing happened at all after work, wiggled the wire and it started straight up like normal.

Another job for the weekend....!

This wouldn't be happening if VAG would stop skimping on the length of wires they use.

This wouldn't be happening if VAG would stop skimping on the length of wires they use.

Indeed. It is rather annoying. The parents Fabia has had the alternator signal wire go, and I have had the starter motor signal wire go. At least it's nothing particularly serious though I suppose.