118TSI Passat Wagon won't start

[mark4323]

Hi All,

A friend of mine has a 2012 118TSI Passat Wagon. It has an intermitent problem where it won't start, doesn't turn over at all. All of the warning lights come on when it happens.

VW have looked at it and can't find anything wrong. There are no error codes.

I've looked on the forums/google and can't find anything. Does anyone know of this issues?

[Ryan_R]

Usually the dash lights everything up and the car doesn't start when the battery is flat, but that doesn't match up with the problem being intermittent and no VCDS errors. Might still be a good starting point for investigating though.

[Umai Naa!!]

Does it crank/does the starter motor function?

Had one similar about 12 months ago, which turned out to be a dying engine ECU. No faults logged besides the occasional crankshaft position sensor code.

[Tigger]

Does that model have stop / start technology?
If so, could it be something to do with that playing up?

[mark4323]

Does it crank/does the starter motor function?

Had one similar about 12 months ago, which turned out to be a dying engine ECU. No faults logged besides the occasional crankshaft position sensor code.

No it doesn't crank nor does the starter motor function. There is just an electrical switch click noise and nothing.

[clip]

No it doesn't crank nor does the starter motor function. There is just an electrical switch click noise and nothing.

my bet is the battery. Check terminals by removing and cleaning posts and terminals even if the look clean. But get battery checked properly. Bet it has a faulty cell.

[Riker]

Yep, agreed...... That clicking sound is usually a strong indicator to the battery.

my bet is the battery. Check terminals by removing and cleaning posts and terminals even if the look clean. But get battery checked properly. Bet it has a faulty cell.

[dopey]

Sounds to me like it's switching to "ON" but not start. Are you 100% sure he's pressing the key right in, with foot firmly on the brake?

[Ryan_R]

... and the gear lever is in Park

[Transporter]

I know it doesn't hurt to double check if the owner of the car knows how to start it, but the car was also checked by the dealer and I'd like to hope that any mechanic would know how to quickly test the battery when the engine doesn't start.

The problem is intermitent and it could be many things.