Mk1 Golf 1.4 Carb wont start unless headlights are switched on

[SgtHopalong]

Hi guys,

Our Mk1 gol is doing something weird. Yesterday it started to have starting issues. When we turn the key thee is no sound from starter but when we switch on the headlights and turn the key ater about 3 or 4 tries it starts.

Any ideawhat I could check or do to fix this please?

[175SBU]

Sounds like a shortcircuit, did you smell some smoke ?


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[Neuk]

Agree with 175SBU, have you had any issues with water getting in to the car?

[PoloMike]

i think it needs an exorcist, not a mechanic.

[panic-mechanic]

Can also be a ignition switch issue. Have seen it before

[Howie-WP]

Sounds like a cool anti theft mechanism ......

[panic-mechanic]

As a matter of fact thieves used to use part of the lights / hazard switch circuit that stayed alive to steal golfs before the days of computer based immobilizers. By jumping a wire you can get the ignition active - push it and off you go. It's most likely that same circuit via the lights that is allowing his ignition to get power hence my sayng it could be the ignition switch.

[175SBU]

Makes sense my initial take was short circuit.


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