Starting problems

B

billygoat

Registered
HELP ME!!!! I have posted my problem before. My 2nd gen (97) MK 8 won't start at odd times. It seems like a PATS problem. Someone in this forum said that there was a TSB that covered that problem. I took it to a dealer and they couldn't find a problem or codes. They also told me that there was a TSB that addressed the problem. They replaced the antennae behind the key and another piece behind the glove box. After a $450.00 shot in the dark I have the same problem.

My wife took the Mark to go shopping. After being stuck in the parking lot on a 90 degree day she was less than happy. I told her that she had the greatest looking car that wouldn't start in the parking lot. Says she is swearing celibacy until it is fixed.

The problem seems to be heat related (outside temp). The hotter the outside temp the more likely it will happen. When the problem occurs, you can turn the key until your fingers hurt and it will finally start. This takes 1 to 60 minutes. So far, it has always started eventually.

When it is cold it has always started.

I drove the car from Salt Lake City to home (815 miles) and didn't dare turn it off.

Somebody help me!!!!

Thanks,

Glen in Tollhouse, CA.
 
RE: Starting problems

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
... The problem seems to be heat related (outside temp). The hotter the outside temp the more likely it will happen. When the problem occurs, you can turn the key until your fingers hurt and it will finally start. This takes 1 to 60 minutes. So far, it has always started eventually.When it is cold it has always started.[/div]

Does it crank but not start? As weird as it may sound, if it does not crank I would investigate the starter solenoid. They are close to the exhaust manifold and become heat stressed. Now, if it cranks but doesn't start... PATS, fuel or ignition issues.

It sounds suspiciously like the problem that led me to replace my starter solenoid. I was convinced it was an anti-theft issue. Countless times led to diagnosis of start circuit from ignition switch, anti-theft circuit, neutral safety circuit and finally, the starter solenoid. I should've started at the other end. ;)

Of course I have the Gen1, so it may or may not be applicable to your situation.
 
RE: Starting problems

No sounds at all. Turn switch against the switch and nothing. It will reward you after a while. When it finally works it sounds completely normal. Starter spins at normal speed.

Glen in Tollhouse
 
RE: Starting problems

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
No sounds at all. Turn switch against the switch and nothing. It will reward you after a while. When it finally works it sounds completely normal. Starter spins at normal speed.Glen in Tollhouse
[/div]

Starter solenoid is my vote. When I finally removed mine, it wouldn't crank even cold. I turned it in for a core. We first put it on the test bench. It did work, but not at the first touch of the button. It took several tries, then seemed completely mormal. Of course, I left with a new one.

Good luck with the celibacy thing. ::uh::
 
RE: Starting problems

Thanks JP,

It sure would be cheaper than what I have tried so far. If it is the solenoid, would it make sense that there would be no noise at all. Shouldn't it click?

Glen in Tollhouse
 
RE: Starting problems

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
...If it is the solenoid, would it make sense that there would be no noise at all. Shouldn't it click?
[/div]

I've been wrenching on cars longer than I care to remember, and that's exactly what my thoughts were. I had no symptoms whatsoever prior to the first event - which was at a track no less! No click, nothing. I truly thought it to be a glitch in the anti-theft. I 'learned' to wait it out thinking it was a time issue with the system.

Once, we stopped for fuel and I foolishly shut it off... and of course it refused to start. No sweat, we pushed it to a parking space, went inside the store and bought subs and stuff and went outside for an impromtu picnic in the grass. It 'timed out' on cue and started with no problem. Only later did I learn it was actually cooling off and would eventually start. Eventually it got worse, to the point it wouldn't crank stone cold after sitting in the garage.

I suppose yours being a Gen2, it could be another issue, but it sure sounds suspiciously like my encounter. Good luck! :)
 
RE: Starting problems

Thanks JP,

Since I am new to this MK 8 thing. How big a deal is it to get the starter out? Can you buy the solenoid separately?

Glen in Tollhouse
 
RE: Starting problems

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
... How big a deal is it to get the starter out? Can you buy the solenoid separately?
[/div]

It's not that bad to do yourself. The top bolt is tough to get to. I'm not sure about the solenoid being separate. It may be, but I wouldn't replace just the solenoid IMHO. With the exception of possibly large industrial equipment, I usually just replace the whole starter assembly.

For longevity, I purchased a heat shield and installed it on the new starter. Such as:

http://www.designengineering.com/images/products/Versa-Shield300RGB.jpg

http://www.designengineering.com/products.asp?m=sp&pid=32
 
RE: Starting problems

I replaced the starter and took a trip in the heat. Had to stop several times for fuel etc. Problem solved.

Too bad that when a problem such as this comes up you think the worst. That was an expensive lesson. Thanks to JP and a little common sense the Mark starts.

Thanks again.

Glen in Tollhouse
 
RE: Starting problems

Twas nothing but relating common experience. That's what we're here for. :)

Glad you got it sorted out.
 
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