Thank you, shall try another earthAs its an A2 suspect either main earth or positive supply lead could be corroded, even broken.
Thank you, shall try with another earthI’ll second that, the earth could be solid with aluminium oxide. Its a sod to get the bolt out and HSS taps don’t like recutting the messed up thread.
But it could be your solenoid. Earth your engine via a jump lead and try again. If you still have a problem take the motor out and bench test it. I’ve had two VAG solenoid failures in recent years.
Thank you, shall add another earthI simply added an additional earth lead on my TDI
I did then later replace the starter due to the noise issue and found a new one cheap on eBay, planned to clean and grease the old one but it was fused solid to the gearbox and despite using wood I split the starter casing so lucky I had a new one
Check for a permanent 12v feed to the double lug connection on the starter and a switched 12v feed to the solenoid terminal when you turn the ignition key to to the cranking position.If after checking the power and earth leads are clean and tight with good continuity you are still having issues , then it is possible that the grease inside the solenoid has age hardened and now making the solenoid lazy. This will need the starter stripped and cleaned or replaced.
I don't think it does, I think the main earth from the battery terminates above the n/s rear wheel arch but I do not remember a picture to verify this.Does battery earth cable run directly from battery to engine compartment and where is it connected?
I am in my eighties now and it has been too cold to work on the car.
Thanks for your help folks.
I'll have another the first nmild day