Our 52 reg 1.4 petrol VW Polo has an intermittent (but annoying) starting problem. Occasionally, when the key is turned to Start, everything lights up as it should dash-wise but nothing happens starting-wise. No attempt to turn the engine over, just silence. After a few more tries it will suddenly work fine (and carry on working fine for weeks).

SWMBO says it happens more frequently in the cold weather????

I thought it could be the starter solenoid - would a sticking solenoid give these symptoms? Is it a known fault with VWs?

Any help appreciated.

Russ

Could be the ignition switch - a common failure on Polo's, in fact on most of the VAG range!
Do a google search on polo ignition switch problems for some guidance.

Been away from the dealers for a few years now, but if memory serves quite likely to be the ignition switch itself. (Though a solenoid issue isn't impossible.)

from my personal experience (not VW) you can tell if its the starter as it still draws the current so the dash lights go dim as if it is trying to start. If its the switch then the dash lights will stay lit.