Why does the Volkswagen Polo have power but no response when starting?
2 Answers
If the starter motor is not working, one possibility is that the battery is dead. Another possibility is that the starter motor is faulty. Below is relevant information: Reasons for battery depletion: Apart from the natural degradation of the battery itself, battery depletion is also related to the owner's usage habits. Some owners, in an effort to save fuel, prefer to turn off the engine and use electrical devices such as the car stereo or cigarette lighter. However, this can lead to rapid battery depletion and shorten the battery's lifespan. When the battery is depleted or nearing the end of its life, symptoms such as difficulty starting the engine and flickering dashboard lights during startup may occur. Additionally, the capacity and voltage of a dying battery will decrease, making it unable to start the engine after just one or two attempts. Battery maintenance methods: Before turning off the engine, always turn off all electrical devices in the car; avoid using electrical devices when the engine is not running.
I've driven Volkswagens for twenty years and encountered too many situations where the car has power but won't start. The most common issue is a weak battery - even though the dashboard lights up, the starter requires high current which old batteries can't handle. First, listen for a clicking sound when attempting to start; if present, it's likely a battery problem. If there's no sound, check if the gear is properly positioned - automatic transmissions must be in P or N. There's also the steering wheel lock issue - just turn the key while simultaneously turning the steering wheel to release it. If that doesn't work, check the fuses - the No.15 starter fuse in the engine compartment burns out easily. Finally, consider ignition switch wear - this is a common problem in Polos with over 100,000 km. I suggest trying jump-starting first; if that fails, take it to a shop for electrical system inspection.
