sundog

1991c2 Tiptronic. If it is cold, the car will engage the starter and start. After a spirited drive turning the key will turn the dash lights on, but not engage the starter. It does not do the clicking like a bad solenoid. Overnight, the car will crank and start again. I’m now doing timing in 20 minute increments and trying to start it. Last time took about an hour to work again.

I have redone the battery ground cable on both sides. Cleaned the battery terminals, fairly new battery, diehard. Also cleaned ground connection to chassis near starter. I have not been able to access the starter connections to the solenoid.

Any ideas from the brain trust?

Sirenty

Different car, but similar issue happened with my SC. Starting cold was fine. Hot was zilch. Got stuck at a gas station for an hour waiting for it to cool enough and hoping it would start (it did).

The starter was going out. Replacing it fixed the issue.

RicardoD

I have a “new” refurbished Bosch starter on my bench, SR0429X, for my C4 as a result of an order mix up. Happy to offer it to you at a great price, PM me. I think you are an hour drive from my place.

sundog

Thanks Ricardo, mines a tip, so a different starter. Appreciate the offer though. My lift will work for the starter. Just need to take off the axle.

r-mm

I’d be surprised if its not a marginal solenoid whose clearances tighten up with heat.