my 2002 vw rialta when key urrned on to start engine it wont engage the starter

310

Asked by niceguyfl2000 Jan 03, 2014 at 08:05 AM about the 2002 Volkswagen EuroVan

Question type: General

My 2002 VW rialto when ignition switch is turned on to start engine it wont engage.  In the past some times would have to try 3 or 4 times before starter would turn over to start it. Could it be an ignition switch problem or something else?

2 Answers

785

Need more information. Do the dash lights come on? Does the starter make any noise? Does the engine make any noise? Possible culprits include a bad starter motor, a bad starter solenoid, a bad safety relay (which is the switch that makes sure the vehicle is in park or the clutch is depressed before starting), bad ignition switch, and loose wiring. If it has been making a metal on metal noise prior to turning over, you probably wore down your gears.

3 people found this helpful.
30

I had a very long-term intermittent problem with a Eurovan Camper (also Winnebago) where the starter did not work when warm if the battery voltage was at all low. It would start fine after waiting about 45 minutes. Over the years, the problem got worse so that the waiting time was MUCH longer. After MANY trips to the mechanic, they finally found the problem: one of the interlock switches for the front seats (so the car wouldn't start if they seat wasn't in the forward position) was heat-sensitive and its resistance increased as the temperature increased. Replaced this, then no problem.

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    enrik
    Reputation
    480
  • #2
    niceguyfl2000
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    CrankyInGeneral
    Reputation
    290
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
12 Great Deals out of 733 listings starting at $14,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.