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Earth strap/cable

Started by Rufus421, October 23, 2014, 09:18:54 PM

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October 23, 2014, 09:18:54 PM
Hello

I have read somewhere that if you are having a slow starting problem that it could be a loose or corroded engine earth strap.
I have checked the earth coming from the battery and bolted directly to the body of the car and its all tight and clean, is there another earth strap, i.e. from the engine block to the body, if there is one where would it be located.
Also I have no reversing lights (Bulbs and Fuses all okay) any ideas on a fix as the wife is getting fed up walking behind the car with a torch.. ;D

Thank You.
October 23, 2014, 09:26:33 PM #1
check the wires in the rear hatch door gaitor,common problem they either brake or fray.
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October 24, 2014, 12:17:26 AM #2
I'll give it a check and post back.

Thank You.
October 25, 2014, 11:25:26 PM #3
Hi Rufus,
If your engine is cranking slowly it could be several reasons
(1) your battery not fully charged.
(2)  there is high resistance in the starting circuit, this canbe on the positive or negative side of the circuit. The other earth strap will be from the engine or gearbox to the chasis near the battery. Check the connections at the battery are tight and not corroded. Also the lead that goes from the battery direct to the starter motor can develop high resistance. This can be checked by doing a voltage drop test while having someone else crank the engine over.
(3) It could also be the starter itself, but check the other things first as they don't cost anything.

As regards the reversing lights there is also a "reversing light switch" that is located on the gearbox. For detailsof how to test look at Haynes manual for mk2 on page 7A:8
October 26, 2014, 07:46:18 AM #4
Hello Steveo59

thank you for your reply, I will check these out today/tomorrow depending on the weather/wife/kids/dogs and I will post back, again thank you for your help.
October 28, 2014, 08:03:33 PM #5
Hello Steveo59

I checked over as much as possible but ended up taking the car back to the dealer (who is a small country independent garage).
He checked the Starter, the Battery, the Fuel, etc and his conclusion was a tired and worn starter, he replaced this with a new one and its like a new car again, starts very very quickly.
As for the reversing lights it was the switch on the gearbox so replaced and all's well.
Thank you for your help.
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