List of starter faults and their elimination (VW Golf 5)

The main conditions for testing the starter are reliable electrical contacts without oxidation.

The starter does not rotate when the key in the ignition switch is turned to the appropriate position

The battery is discharged

Charge the battery.

Short-circuit starter terminals 30 and 50. If the starter starts, the wire of terminal 50 leading to the ignition switch is broken or the starter switch 0 is faulty. Fix the break. Replace the faulty parts.

Break or poor connection of the ground (-) wire. Battery is discharged

Check the wiring and contacts. Measure the battery voltage. Charge it if necessary.

Insufficient current conductivity due to weak or oxidized contacts

Clean the battery terminals and poles. Restore the reliability of the connections between the battery, starter and ground (-).

No voltage at terminal 50 (traction relay)

Broken wire. Malfunction of ignition switch and starter.

The starter turns too slowly and does not turn the engine over

The battery is discharged

Charge the battery.

Insufficient current conductivity due to weak or oxidized contacts

Clean the battery terminals and posts, as well as the starter wire tips. Tighten the wire fastening nuts on the starter terminals.

Carbon brushes do not fit the commutator, are stuck in the guides, are worn out, broken, oily or dirty

Check carbon brushes and terminals, clean them or replace them. Check carbon brush guides.

Insufficient distance between carbon brushes and commutator

Replace the carbon brushes and clean the carbon brush guides.

The collector is worn out, burnt or dirty

Turn down the collector or replace the anchor.

No voltage at terminal 50 (less than 10 V)

Check the ignition switch or traction relay.

The bearing is broken

Check the bearing and replace it if necessary.

The traction relay is faulty

Replace the traction relay.

The starter engages and spins, but the engine does not turn over or turns over jerkily

The gear transmission is faulty

Replace starter.

The starter gear is dirty

Clean the gear.

The flywheel ring gear is damaged

Straighten the ring gear and replace the flywheel if necessary.

The gear transmission does not disengage

The gear or helical splines are dirty or damaged

Replace starter.

The traction relay is faulty

Replace the traction relay.

The return spring is weak or broken

Replace the traction relay.

The starter continues to rotate even after the ignition key is released

The traction relay is stuck and won't turn off

Turn off the ignition immediately. Replace the traction relay.

The ignition switch does not turn off

Disconnect the battery immediately. Replace the ignition switch.