My Polo randomly stopped starting
Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:33 pm
I recently had a new catalytic converter and exhaust fitted on my 2005 1.4 Polo. I took it for a long drive shortly afterwards - around 3hrs down the motorway - and it seemed to be OK. There was an occasional sound from the exhaust in low gears, which I chalked up to a loose fitting (and have contacted the garage about).
However, the next day I went to start the car and the engine seems dead - when I:
The first time this happened I thought I might've spotted a tiny bit of smoke from under the engine, but I can't be sure. It definitely didn't make a sound. I've tried:
If anyone can help me diagnose this without breaking the bank that would be ace - cheers!
However, the next day I went to start the car and the engine seems dead - when I:
- put the key in the ignition and turn it to the first position, the lights on the dash come on as usual
- turn the key all the way to start the engine - the engine makes zero sound and the key moves back to the second position when I let go
- try to turn the key back to the third position again* - no dice, it sticks in the second position (it's almost like the car thinks the engine has started)
The first time this happened I thought I might've spotted a tiny bit of smoke from under the engine, but I can't be sure. It definitely didn't make a sound. I've tried:
- using my spare key (in case it was immobiliser related)
- jump starting and bump starting
- checking relevant fuses
If anyone can help me diagnose this without breaking the bank that would be ace - cheers!