My 97 TDI vw Golf is refusing to start at times. its turning over but not "kicking in" HELP?

Question

It can be fine from day to day but since yesterday this has happened three times. i have it regularly serviced. fuel filter is new and i have made sure no air locks exist. at 10 am this morning it started fine but at 4 30 in the afternoon it just wont go. i would appreciate advice???

Answer 1

If it doesn't start right away, something is wrong.   There is no use to continually keep turning the starter over as it will burn out the starter and wear out the battery and you are farther behind.

   Diesel, right?  When was the timing belt changed?  Every 60,000(and stick to that) because once broken the motor is junked because of all the damage that will occur.  The only thing I can think of is the "fuel shut off solenoid is not getting power to it(12V)when you turn the key."  That has happened to me an was a problem within the key switch electricals.   Or the solenoid itself is not working(you should hear a slight click from it when the key is turned to the dash lights position(but one has to be standing over it and not sitting in the car.  There is a single thin black wire connected to it.

   In this case, if it is the ke switch(like I am suspecting) instead of a lot of cranking, do a few - turn off the key completely and pull it - then reinsert and retry again(maybe one of those times will be the lucky start time (which narrows down the problem in to the ignition switch