Starting problems

[bhpbo]

1774 super beetle won't start. I just got a new starter and installed it. That didn't work. It just clicks when I turn the key. Engine doesn't turn over. I know its not the battery. I think its the wiring. Any tips?

[boschmann]

I assume this is why you replaced the original starter; it would only let the solenoid click & no turning of the motor. Option one is that one of the main battery cables (either positive or ground) has a bad connection. Check both at the battery & where it connects to the car. If they're both okay & the battery is fully charged you are only left with a bad starter solenoid.

[bhpbo]

Actually, the starter comes with a solenoid. I replaced both the starter and soenoid. I am pretty sure that is the wiring somewhere around the fuse box. When it comes to wiring I am completely useless.

[trooperbrett]

If you feel adventurous, you might try getting under the car and jumping across the two terminals on the starter where the wires go in with a screwdriver. If you do this, REMEMBER, CAR IN NEUTRAL, PARKING BRAKE ON and KEY OFF! If it turns over the wiring from the dash to the starter is old (DUH!) Several companies sell a "Hard Start Kit" that includes a relay, wires and connectors to fix this, it's quite common and installs under the car by the starter. Matter of fact, I went to an interview for a job years ago and had to crawl under the car to get it started in front of the guy I just interviewed with! Didn't get the job.

[boschmann]

Yes, all starters come with the solenoid & sometimes you can get the solenoid seperately. Either way if the solenoid clicks there is enough voltage getting to it from the key. That only leaves you with not enough power to actually spin the starter motor (bad battery or the larger cables) or a bad solenoid, even remanufactured starters are known to not work properly. A boost relay kit would be indicated if the solenoid didn't click, but there is power getting to it from the switch, indicating there is too much of a voltage drop to energize the solenoid.

[bhpbo]

I'm going to try the screwdriver method. I have tried that before in the past. It just usually involves many sparks that I need to shield my eyes from. Thanks for the help and I'll keep you posted about the progress.

[eipsay]

Originally Posted by bhpbo

I'm going to try the screwdriver method. I have tried that before in the past. It just usually involves many sparks that I need to shield my eyes from. Thanks for the help and I'll keep you posted about the progress.

hi I'm haveing a similar problem with a type 1 trike motor less than 500 miles on it. the starter bendex hammers in and out not engaging the flywheel. fully charged 1yr old battery, cleaned all contacts even the comutator brush contacts, and had a 10 amp charger hooked up. still chika, chika..... ran fine last november! I sure could use some help as well. Anyway If you pull yours its safe to use wd40 or marvel oil to clean it and fine sand paper to carbon off the brush contact point (comutator barrel) warning brushes are a btch springs can fly takes time to get them back in place. from what I've learned our problem is likely a low voltage ( bad batt or ignition wiring, or corroded contacts ) I just havent figured mine out yet.