Driving with a faulty starter and glow switch (VW Golf 1)

If the glow plug starter switch contacts are so worn that they do not close when the ignition key is turned, the engine can still be started. However, there must be voltage at the red wire of the ignition switch multi-pin connector.

Remove the steering column trim: remove the multi-pin connector.

Connect the contacts of the thick red and black wires together using a piece of wire or a paper clip. This turns on the "ignition" and preheats the battery (in the production model after August 1977.). The pre-glow, battery charge and oil pressure indicator lights come on.

Push the car, start the engine "on the fly".

Or, using an insulated piece of wire with a cross-section of at least 1 sq. mm, connect the red wire and the contact of the red-black wire (terminal 50). Then the starter will work.

As soon as the engine starts, remove this wire immediately.

The entire connector remains removed. It must be insulated to prevent a short circuit while driving.

To stop the engine, remove the connection between the red and black cables.