My s2 rs turbo has a starting problem. Some times is wont start (turn over). Now it seems that the starter is turning (you can hear it turn) but its not engaging the gear. When it happened on 1 occasion I was able to get under the car and test the crank wire, found it was only getting 7 volts. So i thought ill test it at the back of the ignition switch to see what voltage I got there when I got the cowling of and try'd it the fu@ker turned over. Since then I've not had the car do it when i've been in a position to test it. There is no real pattern to when it does it. Has anyone got any idea what it may be? Do they have a starter relay?
I have try'd 3 starters and a ignition switch.
Thanks Rob.

 

Any one?

 

are you getting 7 volts constantly to the starter? and at what point on the starter ? the solenoid on the side of the starter actually switches the high current needed to move the motor,its been a few years since I had a sII .. might be a fuse issue, melted connection or something. there is a mk4 service Haynes pdf http://www.freebookez.org/service/do...IfoP0kYaOxMvW9
might help you eliminate. someone might be along to help you better than I can tho

 

Well you don't have enough power to start with, most likely the problem is a high resistance joint, or the wire is bad.

Martin

 

I've had loads of issues with mine similar to yours. I replaced the starter but that did not cure the issue so I rewired the starter loom as it looked aged and the insulation was cracked and generally in a poor condition. This made my starting issues much better, I also heat wrapped the down pipe.

 

I changed my starter to a transit connect starter motor, it's a straight swap but smaller and spins a lot faster than the original, obviously won't cure the voltage problem but it's a decent upgrade

 

The little wire comes from your ignition switch and gives 12 volt only when the key is in cranking position. The big red wire should have the same voltage as your battery during stand still. During cranking it can go down to 8-9 volt without too much of a problem, should still be able to start