2003 GTI le wont start

[Greg in Texas]

I have a 2003 gtile that just makes a clicking noise from the selonoid when I hit the start button. The motor turns by hand and the four 5-15 amp fuses are good. any ideas?

 

[LouDoo]

Hi and welcome to the SeaDoo forum.

It sounds like you need a new battery. Take the battery to an auto parts store and have it load tested.

Lou

 

[Greg in Texas]

Thanks for the reply Lou. I failed to mention in the first post the battery is new. Do you have anyother thoughts. I appreciate the help.
Greg

 

[LouDoo]

Check for corrosion on the battery connections, also check for corroded cables. Sometimes you can't tell by looking if the cable is corroded, if you bend the cable and it crunches it is probably is corroded.

Also short across the main terminals of the solenoid, if it turns over the solenoid is bad.

Lou

 

[Greg in Texas]

No signs of corrosion on anything. battery is new and cables look new with no crunch. Meter indicates power to starter side of seloniod and also tried short across selonoid, still nothing but a click when I push start button. could this be a starter issue? I wish I could get to the starter to tap it while I was trying to start. What all do I have to take off to get the starter out.

 

[LouDoo]

It's probably the starter. I believe you have the 720 engine, it's not that hard to remove the starter. Get yourself a couple of small mirrors, 1/4" socket set, socket extensions and maybe a socket universal. You shouldn't need to take anything else off. Of course disconnect the battery first.

You're better off rebuilding the starter that you have, you can do it yourself or have a local shop do it. Lots of times they only need cleaning. Do not buy a 50.00 starter on EBay.

Lou

 

[Greg in Texas]

I dont have to remove any of the exhaust manifolds or anything to get down there?

 

[LouDoo]

I don't think so. Do you know if you have a 720 or 787, I'm not sure what the le means. If you have the 720 (the same engine that's in your 97 GTI), it should be relatively easy. Just borrow or steal a couple of small mirrors from your wife.

Lou

 

[Greg in Texas]

it says type 717 on the engine. Is there only two bolts that hold the starter on ( one on top and one on the bottom). I really appreciate the time you have taken to help me answer questions about this especially on a sunday
Greg

 

[LouDoo]

Your very welcome, couldn't go to the lake today anyway, so what the hay. At least I can talk about SeaDoo's.

Lou