[Vwdiesel] Check engine light. Spoke too soon

[Sandy Cameron]

At 01:46 AM 1/10/2010 -0600, you wrote:
>Well, I spoke too soon.  Driving home from practice the next night, the 
>ABS light, the CEL, and a loud beeping all activated. 

Completely outside my Pre-computer experience (thankfully)
However, the effect below is well known to me.
>
>I'm assuming it's unrelated, but another oddity.  Tonight, after warming 
>up, I was still worried about the above and stopped and re-started the 
>car a few times in quick succession.  Each time, right after starting 
>for a second there was an odd whirring/ratcheting sound.  

I have chased this sysmptom in the past, and found it it usually due to a
dry back-end sleeve bearing on the end of the starter. If left uncorrected,
it will eventually self-destruct, needing a new starter.

Usually manifests itself after mid-life mileage (100,000 plus), and more
commonly in COLD weather.

On the A2 and A3 starters I have saved from this, it is very easy to
correct, as the cover of the bearing is easily removed with 2 small Philips
(star-head)  screws. 

Hosing off with brake cleaner, re-lubing, first with motor oil, then finally
filling the cap with lithium grease and replacing, should cure it.

On my cars, which I drive for 20 years, this has never recured on any I have
treated.

I have a long-form disertation onthe process if anyone wants it.

Sandy