Starter Motor problem, need an assist in troubleshooting

[janitz]

Symptoms:

On a warm day the car starts, however it takes several seconds for the engine to start.
On a cold day like today, just below freezing, the starter does not even turn over right away. I need to turn the key several times before it starts grinding away and then several seconds of grinding away finally starts the engine. This is the starter motor itself, not the engine that seems to be having the problem. Once the starter actually gives the engine a good turn it starts up.

Recent work:

Replaced the battery in June of this year.
Last night I disconnected the MAF sensor and cleaned it using MAF cleaner. (this did have the intended effect of giving me better response accelerating between 75 and 90km, it did not help the starting obviously)

My diagnosis:

The starter motor is weak and failing and should be replaced, or there is an electrical connection issue. I think the electrical connection issue is less likely due to the engine being able to start, it just seems to need a lot of cranking to get it started.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this issue?

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Could be the starter, could be the alternator, could be the battery even though it's new, could be a wiring issue. Have you looked at the connections and wires in the fuse box on top of the battery. Failure here is common. Give me a minute and I'll post up some information.

I don't know, someone, from personal experience with your exact issue(s), may be able to walk you directly to the problem. I just know how to find it.

Main Fuse Block issues
http://newbeetle.org/forums/questions-issues-concerns-problems-new-beetle/52338-morav-needs-some-help-helping-someone-else-org-battery-fuse-box-issue.html


Electrical Testing

Voltage Drop Test
http://vernco.com/Sparks/id606.htm

Alternator Voltage Drop Testing (excellent)
http://www.excelauto.com/online/Tech.d/altvdt.html

Alternator Amperage Output Testing
http://www.aa1car.com/library/charging_checks.htm

Starter Voltage Drop Testing (excellent)
http://www.excelauto.com/online/Tech.d/strvdt.html

Multimeter usage
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13173051580311

The alternator can be sufficiently tested in the automobile, the starter typically needs to be bench tested.

Lot of reading, I know, but electrical issues are never easy, and the NB is quite a complicated little Bugger.

MORAV

[doublebarrel]

Sounds a lot like mine last year.Mine ended up being a weak starter.When I took it in to have it tested they told me it was good,bought a new one anyway and it solved my problem.If the TDI doesn't turn over fast enough it won't inject fuel.Mine would start good as long as it was warm but when the weather got colder the starter wouldn't spin the motor fast enough to inject fuel.