I have some issues with starting sometimes. Similar to the thread below, I also have such issues, long cracking sometimes. But there is another problem. Sometimes when I try to start its like it cranks only once and then it turns off.  And this can repeat several times in a row.  Battery is ok, according to the last service. I also ride long trips so battery should not be an issue.  I dont have any errors when I scanned with Obdeleven. Its really annoying when it happens. I dont really have a video of this problm (although it could be easily filmed) because I dont know when this will happen. 

 

 

 

 

 

The charge on the battery may be good, but check the connection on the terminal posts, make sure they are tight.

 

Over time these can degrade and a poor connection can give starting issues as the car cannot draw enough current.

Any more info what I should be looking at?  I am able to open the bonnet

It does sound like the battery. It may be OK voltage wise, best to get it drop tested by an auto electrician though as it may not be kicking enough amps out. 

On my last service few months ago they checked the battery and it was ok. Not sure how deep check they do actually.  And this problem is happening much longer. But the battery is 7 years old though, 100.000km

Might I suggest that you get a smart battery tester and test the cranking strength of the battery.  If you go to a VW/Skoda dealership, they will use a VAG6161 unit to test the battery.  I suspect your EFM battery is dying.

I figured out when this happens frequently. When I come back from long highway drive (several hours) I stop at the car wash and turn off the car. After 10 minutes, when I try to turn back this happens. Since the car has been now driving for several hours, the battery should be full I guess. I will make the video next time so I have it for service.

Arh - different.  You might have a problem with the starter motor in that case that is going open circuit/high resistance when the car is hot.

English please? 

The starter motor (the device which starts the engine) - has got an electrical fault on it that means it stops working when the engine gets hots.

 

In Croatian (via Google Translate):

 

Možda ćete imati problema s starterskim motorom u tom slučaju koji ima otvoreni krug/veliki otpor kada je automobil vruć.

Starter (uređaj koji pokreće motor) - ima električnu grešku na sebi što znači da prestaje raditi kada se motor zagrije.

 

Is there a way to confirm this with odb11?

 

Is this a expensive repair?

Yes - you will need to disconnect the starter motor and electrically test the resistance of the electrical windings.  I think you will find that when you warm up the start motor (a hairdryer should help), you will find that the start motor goes "open-circuit" and electrically will not pass any current. 

 

In Croatian via Google Translate:

Da - morat ćete odspojiti motor startera i električno ispitati otpor električnih namota. Mislim da ćete otkriti da kada zagrijete startni motor (trebao bi vam pomoći sušilo za kosu), otkrit ćete da startni motor ide u "otvoreni krug" i električno neće propuštati nikakvu struju.

Obviously I will take this to my dealer, but I am wondering the following

 

Is this part meant to be serviced to improve its longevity or do you just replace it when it fails completely?

7 minutes ago, toni8b said:

Obviously I will take this to my dealer, but I am wondering the following

 

Is this part meant to be serviced to improve its longevity or do you just replace it when it fails completely?

If it is the starter motor it is best just to fit a new one.

Yes, maybe also it could be a weak battery since it 8 years old now.  I will see what my dealer has to say..

 

What is the started fails completely, you cannot start the car?

1 hour ago, toni8b said:

Obviously I will take this to my dealer, but I am wondering the following

 

Is this part meant to be serviced to improve its longevity or do you just replace it when it fails completely?

Starter motors are generally items that can be refurbished and reused, but they do have a life-cycle and a number of times they can be used before they need replacement.

There is little you can do to keep the electronics working and in-essence these items tend to be sealed units.

Is it normal for this part to go after 100.000 km?

Yes - it all depends on the duty cycle - how many times has the starter motor being used.  If you are stop/starting all day long, e.g. taxis driver, then it will wear out quickly. 

Well  I have used it normally, not a taxi driver for sure

 

I dont see many threads regarding failing started on this forum?   I guess  I will change the battery and see it goes from there.

Hello toni8b

Funnily enough. My Octavia 3 DSG seems to be doing similar to what you describe > Varaderoguy has given some very useful advice...

 

My symptoms are:

Cold start  = Starts on the button every time.

Warm/hot starts = Takes 5-6 attempts to start. Sometimes If I remove the Key  from ignition and go through the start process again that works.

This can be really annoying, embarrassing, dangerous because of that damn stop/start system!

I've been asked on more than one occasion whether I actually know how to drive properly since I cant even manage to start the damn car .

 

One thing I have noticed is that my starter motor does seem a lot more 'Clattery/Juddery' than usual, so I'll probably loan a battery for a few days, to prove that before taking the plunge and replacing the starter.

 

I've just come across this thread from the Octavia Mk2 Forum which looks similar to yours.... Problems with Warm Starting. Please take a look. Particularly at Post #37

 

 

I hope battery change will resolve my problems because the starter is really expensive compared to battery, not to mention battery I can change myself.

Hey @toni8b have you been able to solve your issue? I have exactly the same symptoms on my car. 

Edited 10 June, 20241 yr by chosen1cro

7 hours ago, chosen1cro said:

Hey @toni8b have you been able to solve your issue? I have exactly the same symptoms on my car. 

Yes, it was the battery.  After fitting new one everything was good.