1998 mark 4 golf, 1.6. starter motor spins but does catch. Problem first occurred during icy weather

Weight in trunk may help. Studded snow tires or chains are best answer.

bypass the starter motor, see the diagrams attached, and see what happen, you will have a new vision with this.
God bless you

possibly the starter check to see if you have power going to the starter,if so replace,if not check fuses and realy.











TIM..................

Before you start, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Unplug clip on plug from starter solenoid. Remove nut for battery cable on starter solenoid. Remove nuts on starter mounting bolts that hold the brackets for the wiring harness [top mounting bolt] and the power steering pipe [lower mounting bolt]. Lastly remove the starter mounting bolts and remove starter. Re-assemble in reverse order.

COULD BE THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE RUBBING SOME WHERE SHORTING TO GROUND.CHECK POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE GOING TO STARTER.IF ITS THE PROBLEM.BUY SOME FLEXIBLE ELECTRICAL CONDUIT TO PROTECT THE CABLE FROM RUBBING.

The timing could be 180 degrees out you will have to do it all over again. Bring #1 cylinder upto TDC check the distributor rotor arm that it is pointing to #1 plug wire, It is important that the cams are on the intake stroke and not on the exhaust stroke. The crank is no big deal just make sure the marks are lined up.

check the throttle position sensor.

Heres the wiring diagram Good luck hope it helps.

weather gets cold starter will draw more cold crank amps! battery must be able to provide so check battery for load test if stands up then I would replace that power sucking starter this is what they do before they quit on you in summer it is un- noticeable cold snap plays it out well good luck and this is the ideal place to start!!John/toronto canada

adjust the slam plate