Hard start relay
Hard start relay
Ok so you might of remembered see saying about starting issues before...well I changed the ignition switch but it hasn't solved the starting issues..
These issues are..turn the key you get clicks but not starting. Some days she fires straight up others you have to kick start it by touching the starter motor wire (we have exposed a bit of wire then cover it up again with electrical tape.) On to the positive terminal of the battery. Then it will start!
I'm.hoping the hard start relay will help solve this. Anyone else use a relay in there 12v? I've heard it was normally 6v that had issues but 12v can aswell? Car is a '72 fastback.
These issues are..turn the key you get clicks but not starting. Some days she fires straight up others you have to kick start it by touching the starter motor wire (we have exposed a bit of wire then cover it up again with electrical tape.) On to the positive terminal of the battery. Then it will start!
I'm.hoping the hard start relay will help solve this. Anyone else use a relay in there 12v? I've heard it was normally 6v that had issues but 12v can aswell? Car is a '72 fastback.
Re: Hard start relay
Sounds like your starter solenoid is the issue.
A hard start relay will make no difference if the solenoid is the problem.
A hard start relay will make no difference if the solenoid is the problem.
Re: Hard start relay
What's the best fix for that?
- 937carrera
- Posts: 1190
- Joined: 7th June 2013 - 11:54pm
- Location: North Yorkshire
Re: Hard start relay
If it works with a direct cable to the solenoid connection then the starter is fine, it's the cable from the ignition switch to the solenoid that has deteriorated. Lots of micro breaks and corrosion along the length giving voltage drop.
A starter relay will solve that problem, because you will be running new cable to the relay and solenoid. Better just to avoid the complexity and run a fresh cable.
If you need to run a cable to the +ve on the starter motor, then that's the cable that has deteriorated and needs replacing.
In any case, make sure the connections on the battery, starter motor and engine earths are all in good condition before doing anything else.
A starter relay will solve that problem, because you will be running new cable to the relay and solenoid. Better just to avoid the complexity and run a fresh cable.
If you need to run a cable to the +ve on the starter motor, then that's the cable that has deteriorated and needs replacing.
In any case, make sure the connections on the battery, starter motor and engine earths are all in good condition before doing anything else.
David
1974 412LS Variant
1973 412LE 4 door Fastback / Saloon
1974 412LS Variant
1973 412LE 4 door Fastback / Saloon
- mattjay1991
- Posts: 45
- Joined: 30th September 2017 - 8:29pm
Re: Hard start relay
I fitted a hard start relay to my beetle a couple of years ago after having the same problems you described. After fitting, I never had another issue. Started first time every time.
Re: Hard start relay
As 937 has said, the relay will do the same thing as running a new cable. But its easier and one less thing to give problems in the future if you just put a new cable in. and easy test its to use a jump lead from the battery to the starter as a test. then turn the key and see if it starts any better.
The sultan of swing
Re: Hard start relay
Look at http://home.clara.net/hallvw/starter.htm before doing expensive things like replacing the starter motor.
It's a common problem, may be helped by cleaning out and light lubrication on the starter shaft. I finally fitted a relay in the red cable from the front. There's a useful connector under the right front seat which you can separate to insert the relay (fitted onto the back of the rear seat bulkhead) with 12V feed direct from the battery. It's cured my problem starting for the past 20 years or so.
It's a common problem, may be helped by cleaning out and light lubrication on the starter shaft. I finally fitted a relay in the red cable from the front. There's a useful connector under the right front seat which you can separate to insert the relay (fitted onto the back of the rear seat bulkhead) with 12V feed direct from the battery. It's cured my problem starting for the past 20 years or so.
Dave.