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relay problem when starting?
Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 7:20 pm
by TripsD
Hi!
I have a rocco 1,4 tsi 160 hp 08-09 mod. The engine has been replaced due to engine failure.
When i turn the key it sounds like a relay on drugs ticking behind the speedo, the starter wont turn the engine...
But when i hold the key to start pos. For some time, the relay slows down a bit and then the starter turns the engine. It still takes a few turns before the engine starts...
In warm days with sun all day the car starts right away... But in my country its not that much sun this time of year...
The car is due to service and i have changed the key battery.
Give me tips and hints to what i can do
on 00:47 you can hear the starter turning the engine and at 00:53 the engine starts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhtDqFjPaDw
Sorry for bad english ^^
please help a rocco in need

Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 8:00 pm
by Cuprabob
The battery in the keyfob only operates the opening and closing of the car.
The RFID tag in the keyfob is energised by the reader located in the ignition switch using an electric field when it is read.
Have you tried the 2nd key? This would help identify if the issue is with the reader or the tag in the keyfob.
I notice the ESP and steering warning lights on. Have you disconnected the battery? These lights stay on until the steering angle sensor calibrates after the battery has been disconnected. A short drive should put them out.
Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 8:39 pm
by blower
Sounding like a battery issue, or more probably a battery connection issue. The rapid relay clicking i suspect is from the battery voltage to the instrument cluster dropping too low when the starter motor draws its power, the cluster resets which disengages and engages a relay, the starter begins to draw power again and the cycle continues.
Check the battery terminals are on tight....also it could be a ground connection problem when the engine was replaced - need to check the ground terminals to the engine block and chassis are clean, and torqued down properly.
Of course check the battery condition as well.
Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 9:01 am
by TripsD
Thanks for tips! i will try the other key today.
No i haven't disconnected the battery in any way.
Before this happened the starter took a few extra turns before the engine started, for a normal person who drove the car for the first time he/she wouldn't notice a thing, but as a owner of the car i felt this is not right, if you understand? hehe
If the key wont work i will measure the voltage in the battery and check the connections.
It seems a little strange that it started slowly and escalated like this if its a bad connection or battery...
And last, Its been years since the engine was replaced, so i don't think that that's the problem.
Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 10:04 am
by blower
Sounding more and more like the battery is dying.....longer crank times, gradually getting worse.
Measuring voltage probably won't tell you much - need a battery condition tester that tests it under load.
How old is the battery - is it the original?. I have found the max you get out of the original OEM batteries is about 5 years before they just no longer hold the charge properly.
Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2016 6:52 am
by TripsD
I tried to change the key, but the same problem occurred... so it's not that.
I bought a new battery, since the condition tester told me to replace it, i cleaned ground and + to the battery, and replaced the old one. hope this works

Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:44 am
by TripsD
I changed the battery a few days ago, and all problems are gone!
Thanks guys!
Re: relay problem when starting?
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 9:53 pm
by blower
There we go, nice and simple.....i've found the OEM batteries are not the best, after 4 years all it takes is one cold winter and they are done - loose a load of their capacity and cold crank start ability.