hello/1st problem

[frenchie420]

hey every one i own a 1998 gti and ive been surfing this site for a while and since i ran into a problem today i decided it was time to join. i got it about 4 months ago for 2k. i havent done much work on it just play around and just learning about it. heres a few pictures of it.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k410/akid424/j005.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k410/akid424/j006.jpg

ok so heres a picture of the problem i belive its the starter. when i tried to turn on the car today it half started and died than when i tried again it doesnt making any noise and smoke comes from this area and i can see a lil spot down low start to becaume red from heat. so any ideas on whats going on would b great.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k410/akid424/j009.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k410/akid424/gtistarter.jpg

[Mr_Diesel]

Where was the red spot exactly? Is it a manual trans? Try push starting it to ensure that the engine runs properly and all the electrics are still in tact. After that, I'd disconnect the small wire going to the starter. This engages the solenoid. When you turn the key, this wire should have 12V (get your voltage test or test light). Then make sure the BIG wire isn't touching anything but the post with the nut on the starter. If the car runs and that small wire sees 12V when you turn the key to the "start" position, then it's pretty safe to bet it's the starter... Sounds like the solenoid went south and has shorted out on something inside.

On another note, that 2.0L ABA engine is one of my favorites. Parts are plentiful and it's a pretty well built engine. They take to turbos very well, IMO. Welcome to dubnet. :D

[frenchie420]

yes it is a manual. i cant jump start it bc its in my garage and if i take it out theres no way to bring it back withought turning on the car. so i should disconect the small wire and put the volt meter on the small unconected wire and on the fat wire? if the charge is positive does this mean i need a new starter?

[frenchie420]

ok so i got a starter and she started up great. than i turned it off and it didnt start. so then i push started it and it ran and i turned off and back on and it works. but i was wondering if i will stll have problems in the future?

[kanatarider]

ok so i got a starter and she started up great. than i turned it off and it didnt start. so then i push started it and it ran and i turned off and back on and it works. but i was wondering if i will stll have problems in the future?

It's a ten year old plus car, it will always have problems in the future :)

What sounds like happened is that your battery was possibly not fully charged (drainage caused by previous attempts to start), you shut the car off before it had a chance to get charged by the alternator, thereby killin it. If the car starts each time now, I would say this problem can be filed away :)

[kawasa]

Since the starter was just replaced, I guess the problem would be the battery. Have you tried to check it with a mechanic? It can save you more time and money.
___________
hp 20 (http://www.inkjetsuperstore.com/hp-c6578a-inkjet-cartridge)