Dodgy earth

[MidLifeCrisis]

Have you checked connections at the starter (both the big thick wire and the 'trigger' wire)?
They are often corroded as they get a good blasting of water\gunk thrown up from the road.

Also, check out the gearbox ground strap which is also often pretty gunky!!

[CovKid]

Bare minimum there will be two. Big thick one under the nut and a smaller female spade fitting. The male prong for the female may have rotted off. This is the trigger wire and starter will do nowt without that. If it has rotted/broken, the only thing you can do as a permanent fix is replace solenoid, IF you can get solenoid off. If that proves impossible (common), best bet is replace starter with a new or good used one or have yours looked at by a pro.



More on sorting starter cables here: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ain_cables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So, not a dodgy earth, just dodgy connectors. Consider above WIKI article as you probably have other probs in those circuits that will ultimately let you down. Best to check the lot and replace anything suspect - unless you really do like lying on icey concrete trying to get the vehicle going in winter.

[Oldiebut goodie]

It is possible to solder to the terminal if it is broken off - plenty of heat quickly to keep charring of the plastic to a minimum. I have just soldered mine with a permanent wire to bring the terminal into the relative shelter of the engine bay because of the constant corrosion.
Mine had two males on - aren't they all like that, says he not knowing?

[CovKid]

Top nut with braided cable goes into starter. These can corrode and break away. Thinner red wire (spade) is trigger wire (yes you can sometimes (though not always) find another spade point next to the original. Bottom (thick cable) goes direct to battery so check both ends. Best to pull starter off and sort connections. If its an old starter, it may be at end of its life. Its certainly not in the flush of youth if terminals are not good.

This is the time of year when you need to pay close attention to lights, fuel lines, cooling and power cables.

In winter, starters and batteries can go downhill very fast if they're neglected or simply old.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Trouble is that one that you have just connected to will have been exposed for ages and will be corroded also and will need cleaning up before use. If I were you I would do what I have done so that the join is then in the engine bay - it will be easier to waterproof there also.
What the heck is 'sprottling'!?!