Slangwerks 0 Posted August 7, 2006 Hi Guys. I've got a bit of an intermittent starting problem on my 16v corrado. Normally the car starts fine first time, a little bit rough sometimes but it's cammed up so thats to be expected. However, if it's warm, humid or sunny (as it has been lots recently) the key will turn to the first position, you'll hear the fuel pump come on and the dash lights blink correctly, as normal. Then if you turn the key to start the car nothing happens. It just doesn't fire and sits there. You've either got to try about seventy times or wait a minute or so and see if it will fire, sometimes it will, sometimes it wont. It doesn't matter if the car has been driven and the engine is warm, I took it for a 40-mile drive on Saturday morning, and it started first time when the engine was hot. Sunday I tried to start it midday (very humid in direct sunlight) and it didn't budge. Tried it once it got dark and it cranked and started first time. I've had the aftermarket immobilier removed for the time being to see if it was causing the problem, so it isn't that! Any ideas?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Walesy 0 Posted August 7, 2006 Ignition switch? ( try the search mate :) ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slangwerks 0 Posted August 7, 2006 Tried the search and there are two other threads with similar symptoms, but neither of them were resolved... Was thinking ingnition switch but not sure why the ambient temperature would cause it to fail/work intermittently?? Cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Walesy 0 Posted August 7, 2006 I don't think the ambient temp would make a difference, but when the ignition switch goes it can be intermittant at first so it could be just co-incidence that it's only happened to you when the weather's good? :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slangwerks 0 Posted August 7, 2006 Perhaps...but the guys on the other two threads had the same problem when the ambient temp was high, unlikely to be a coincidence in all three cases. I might look at changing the switch anyway, if they're not too expensive - at least it would rule it out if it's not the problem! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crasher 3 Posted August 7, 2006 Check the earth from the body to the gearbox bolt and check the ECU pins to see if they are corroded. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bally 0 Posted August 7, 2006 Dude, new switch is abt £20 from VAG.. myn used to have simliar problems.. gareth helped me replace it... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slangwerks 0 Posted August 8, 2006 Tried it last night and the problem reoccurred, reading another thread someone suggested that if the ignition switch is on the way out then wiggling the key around can sometimes get the car to start. Tried a bit of wiggling and she started straight away, so looks like it may be the ignition switch - gonna replace it on the weekend and see if that cures it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devil fish 0 Posted August 8, 2006 Good luck, its one of those car jobs, either goes really well, or you spend allday trying to get that blasted screw in and out! Depending which part of South Wales your in, I could pop along to help/lend verbal support. (I do have freakishly thin and long fingers which are ideal for this job! :wink: :lol: ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slangwerks 0 Posted August 8, 2006 Cheers for the offer mate! I'm in Cardiff, but will probably get my mate who runs his own VW specialist (DUBusiness VW) to fit the new switch. I can clean cars like a legend, but not fix em! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites