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Question

Our sailboat, equipped with a 55 hp VW pathfinder that has been starting with out any problems. Now it only clicks when the start button is pushed. The battery is brand new so we know that is not the problem. What else should we check?

Submitted: 102 days and 14 hours ago.
Category: Boat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Make (of engine): VW
Model (of engine): Pathfinder
Year: 1985
Horsepower: 55

Already Tried:
replaced battery, looked at solenoid, it does make a clicking sound when start button is depressed.

Posted by Captain Dave 102 days and 14 hours ago.

Answer

Hello. There are three possibilities: bad wiring connection (most lilely), bad solinoid, or bad starter. You can test the starter by using a jumper cable to connect the battery + side directly to the starter terminal - if it runs then the starter is good. Next, try jumping across the two large terminals on the solinoid - sometimes the blade of a screwdriver can be used to do this. If the starter runs then you have a bad solinoid. If the first test works and the second doesn't (i.e., the starter runs when jumped from the battery but not when the solinoid is jumped) then the wiring from the battery to the solinoid is bad or there is a loose/dirty connection. Also, make sure the neagive battery cable (black) is also clean and tight on both ends - that cable can also cause the same problem, so check it first.

102 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

can you tell me where the starter is located on the Pathfinder?

Accepted Answer

I don't know specifically, but if you follow the heavy red cable from the battery it should go to the solinoid, which is usually mounted on the starter. If not, there will be a second heavy cable from the solinoid to the starter. It's all pretty generic.

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Expert: Captain Dave
Pos. Feedback: 98.5 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/12/2009

Marine Mechanic

USCG Licensed Captain, 20+ Years Boating, Fishing, Maintenance and Repair Experience

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