2011 GTI only turns over with spark plugs removed

[malz]

Hello. My 2011 GTI SE will not turn over with spark plugs in and does not start.

Have pulled starter motor, cleaned brushes and contact plate up, bench test starter motor ok (no load).
Re-installed starter motor to find it still won't turn over with spark plugs in. Turns over with no spark plugs in. With one spark plug installed, it would turn over, but with two installed it refused to turn (gives you a single crank action only and then beeps).

Did direct cable bypass to another battery (genset unit) with same result.

Ski's battery is fully charged on charger, sitting 14.48v. After disconnect, voltage drops to 12.2-12.4v. Noticed on meter trying to start, voltage drops to 12.1 as low as 10.8v after about 6-7 attempts at starting. This is after straight off the charger, all within 10minutes. Does seem battery issue..

Ideas anyone ? Thanks.

 

[skiasylum]

Any chance its hydrolocked, I have read that sometimes it is necessary to turn them on their side to get all the water out.

 

[codfather]

Sounds like the battery but could also be the terminals dirty on the solenoid or the earth cable on the block.

 

[TJG358]

Sounds like the battery but could also be the terminals dirty on the solenoid or the earth cable on the block.

I agree with. Battery could show full charge but amps can still be low in it. Check battery cables and all connections.