Recently my Polo had developed a habit of doing nothing the first time and sometimes second time I turn the key. Battery and connections all seem good. I'm thinking ignition switch, wiring to starter / solenoid.

 

Trouble is unless I'm mistaken access is a pain. Am I likely to be able to get access above or below easily (or by removing a few bits) to test the wiring? 

 

I'm almost wondering if its worth just replacing the starter if I have to go through a lot of faff just to check the connections.

 

All that said so far it's not left me stranded but my experience with mechanical failure of starters tells me it's only a matter of time until it might do! Hot starting does seem OK so far though which did make me wonder if it's just a bit of moisture on some electrics in the mornings? 

Can you hear a ‘click’ from the starter motor when you turn the key?

 

If so, that proves everything up to the starter motor is ok, as it’s the sound of the solenoid on the starter operating. 
 

If no click then give the starter a tap with a hammer and see if it springs into life.After that it’s the usual connection check, particularly the wiring to the starter motor itself, including the solenoid connections and the main thick lead that is a direct connection to the battery.

 

Also check all earth connections are good between the engine and body.

Edited 13 October, 20223 yr by mk2tastic

Thanks, I'll check the wiring. I think the only way to easily get at the wires on the starter is from underneath? If I get it jacked up reasonably high that should work?

The ignition switch contacts can wear, but they're nowhere near as bad for it as the later cars, that said, the newest mk2 is 30 years old, so anything's possible. I'd be suspecting either that, a corroded connection or frayed wires one one the terminals on the big cables that link battery, starter, alternator and the grounds for them. If they're looking a bit ropey, it's probably worth replacing the cable as a unit. You can buy them from places like https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk/c-48-cables/c-93-pre-made-battery-leads

 

The starter's down the back of the engine, but access isn't bad from underneath if you've got the front of car on a pair of ramps or stands (not just a jack). Disconnect the battery before removing the big wires that go to the starter and alternator as they are live all the time, have no fuse, and would love to short against the engine block. 

 

This thread will show you what it looks like 

 

OK minor update on this. I haven't had time to get under the car yet and check the wiring. But I was changing an old fuel hose this afternoon and tried to start the car afterwards and the first 2 times the solenoid definitely kicked in with a positive 'click' but nothing happened. Third time I thought I'd leave the key in the ignition on position and about 5 seconds after the solenoid clicked the engine turned over and it fired up. 

 

So it seems like a lazy starter motor to me. Hopefully it will hang in there for a week or two until I can get it sorted.