Only happens every 3 weeks or so but after a night in the garage (that's the car, not me) when I try to start it the starter engages OK and the engines coughs once then there's the whine of the starter disengaging (I assume) but that's it. Does the same a number of times. My wife claims that if you bounce up and down in the car (on your own!) a few times it loosens up and starts as normal. Skoda garage couldn't find anything wrong. Any ideas?

(I looked on the VW site and one possibility is a sticking anti-shudder valve - see Car won't start? Check your Anti Shudder Valve - TDIClub Forums Does that sound likely)

[Re-posted from the Introduce yourself discussion area - sorry for any duplication]

Sounds like the starter is stuck on a dead spot.

Next time it does it open the bonnet, tap the starter motor a couple of times with a rubber mallet or similarly soft hammer.

Try again