SEP- as a mater of interest, is it possible to detach a solenoid coil from the starter and clean up the solenoid contacts? Years ago it used to be possible to unsolder the coil from the motor and buff up the contacts/ clean out the clutch mech. I remember doing it on an old Maxi ( possibly Lucas/Bosch) starter and when all other cars had starting problems, mine started fists time ,even in -- temps.

Edited 31 March, 20206 yr by VWD

Nope, the black plastic end of the solenoid is crimped on at the factory.

Probably. I wouldn't know where to get a new solenoid from tbh. What's the solenoid attached to apart from the starter motor? 

8 hours ago, Faz02 said:

 What's the solenoid attached to apart from the starter motor? 

 

Nothing.

 

They usually have an end on like this that just hooks out...

 

Edited 1 April, 20206 yr by TMB

The starter motor I got from Ebay was thankfully the correct one.

 

After having difficulty taking it out using the wrong size spanner 19mm instead of 18mm and having to use the bolts off a Bora starter I got from the scrap yard as cutting the old one didn't work, we got it started. Topped up the battery with deionised water and charged it up to 100%.

 

Hopefully I don't have any issues until the next MOT next year. Thanks for everyone's advice and help. 

😞 I spoke too soon.

 

Today the car lost power, no lights would turn on and power steering wouldn't work it went hard. I had replaced the battery before this happened too.

 

Car broke down again a few hours ago, left it there a while and strangely enough it started first time when I went back to it. Could it be alternator? Wiring issue? The terminals on the battery were loose the last time it didn't start tightened then up but if it was that it would have started everytime after that? Any advice or suggestions welcome. 

 

Any help is appreciated. I'm thinking new car. No auctions happening right now so buy it now is what I'm thinking. 

Have you tested the voltage while the engines running?

Yes. Broke down yesterday and as I'm NHS staff I got AA to come out. He said its alternator as I'm only getting 11.6V but the battery needs 12V to start. The car needs 14V once started and is using all the charge from the battery for the lights, speedometer, warning lights, power steering etc so the alternator is not charging the battery and therefore its cutting out.

 

I've looked into an alternator but I'm not sure which one is correct for my car it's about £80 on Ebay. There's  a few a 70V or 90V if I'm right I don't know which one it will be. Any ideas? Thanks 

Does the battery symbol light up when you turn the ignition key to the position where all the other warning lights self-test (one position before the one that makes the starter motor spin)?

Yes they do. 

5 hours ago, Faz02 said:

I've looked into an alternator but I'm not sure which one is correct for my car it's about £80 on Ebay. There's  a few a 70V or 90V if I'm right I don't know which one it will be. Any ideas? Thanks 

 

There are lots of different versions of alternator. To be sure you get the right one, your best plan is to find a sticker with part number and the current rating (70 or 90 Amps) somewhere on your existing alternator. Often on the other end from where the pulley is.  Try to get a photo of any such sticker you can see.

Thanks mate. I can only see the front bit from under the bonnet. I'd have to jack up the car and get underneath?  Is the thing that looks like a fan with copper wires inside it I take it? On the driver side of the car? Thanks 

2 hours ago, Faz02 said:

 Is the thing that looks like a fan with copper wires inside it I take it? On the driver side of the car? Thanks 

 

Yep, that's it.

Hi all.

 

The alternator has been replaced, looks like a nearly new one taken from an Octavia. Car was on in the garage took it home and turned it off. A minute after I try turning it on again and it doesn't start. I attached a borrowed booster and took it for a long drive to charge up the battery. 

 

What else could be the issue after having changed the battery, starter motor and alternator?

I know Wino asked you this earlier but it's still not clear as you answered ''yes they do'' rather than 'yes it does' as we are only concerned about one light, the battery light. So, please confirm - does this light come on when you turn the ignition on without engine running?....

 

Also, clean and make sure the battery earth lead is tight where it bolts to the strut turret. Simple job well worth doing.

 

On 07/04/2020 at 19:23, TMB said:

I know Wino asked you this earlier but it's still not clear as you answered ''yes they do'' rather than 'yes it does' as we are only concerned about one light, the battery light. So, please confirm - does this light come on when you turn the ignition on without engine running?....

 

Yes this light comes on when I turn the ignition on without engine running. I recharged the battery and thankfully it works fine for now.