Ok I've searched through here and can't find any answers so here gos. I have an 81 that won't start.When I went out to start it the other morning the first time it cranked over and fired fine,then died(it always does the first time when its cold-it was below freezing) but the second time when I turned the key to start all power went out, no dash light ,no nothing. My vw does this and is just a battery terminal problem. I unhooked the battery and cleaned it(wasn't too bad) then hooked it back up. I turned the key to on and got power,turned it to start and it cranked,fired then died,tried to crank it again and it lost power again.I did the battery thing again and that didn't help. When I turned it to start, there was a click noise when the power went. Now there is no power, but when i turn it to start two of the dash lights just barly light up.

 

Well, welcome to the forum.
Classic low battery 101. Take the battery to the local auto parts place and have it tested. Either bad or discharged. If it winds up that it is only discharged and checks good after it has been charged then have the charging system tested. Extreme cold temps require more cranking amps. Which means if the battery was marginal at best the little reserve that was left over gets used up and you wind up in the situation that you are in. :-)

 

A search tip. Alot of the time there is a related thread already open on the main page. As it was with this case.
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/start-problem-626641/ :-)

 

I caught that and for a moment thought, problem solved, But there is more. I doing this at work so just posted it quick and got off-line. The reason Iknow its not the battery is I tried two other batteries from my other cars and had the same problem. One of the other cars I put the battery back in and drove it to work. VW's have crappy heater! I was thinking it could be a problem with the cables? build up inside the housing. starter relay? or something uniquely rx7?

 

Then I would recommend a full cleaning and inspection of the cables, both positive and ground. Also check the connection of the small positive lead that goes to the fusable link box and the connections at the starter.

 

Thanks for the advise, time to get dirty.

 

Probably cables. Either replace the two battery cables and the ground straps, which will probably solve the problem, or use a voltmeter to check for high voltage drop across each cable in turn to find the exact cable.

 

i have the same problem with my car its an 82 and every time i turn the key to on button the lights well come on but no turning over of the battery

 

Dr I want you advised I bought over the weekend an 85 glse.
From the original owner he kept the car in storage for few months .I went to pick up the car with tow truck .I put new Battery, new spark plugs and I reeplaced the fuel filter .
The engine cranks but start up any suggestions?
According with the owner he says 2 months ago it did turn on.
Thanks,

Tenaz