Tom Jr

Sorry if this is considered off topic. It's more of a general question, not specific to the S2000. I just figure that you guys are experienced with cars, in general.

My girlfriend has a 97 VW cabrio. Yesterday, I went to start it and the start sounded odd, a bit like grinding. I also heard a grinding noise whenever I depressed the clutch pedal. At first I though it was a tranny or clutch problem, but all the gears worked fine, despite the noise. Eventually I was able to drive the car without the noise by simply not putting the clutch in all the way.

Later I had this thought: The grinding noise doesn't sound like gears. It sounds like the noise you hear when you try to start a car that's already running. I'm guessing the car is continuously 'trying to start' and is prevented by the clutch being out. When I put the clutch in, it lets the car 'start' and makes the grinding noise.

Have any of you heard of this? Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks

Wisconsin S2k

Moving to UTH, since this wouldn't belong in the Technical forum. however, this may get moved to another forum since it's not S2000 related.

xviper

Heading to Car Talk.

As for the topic, focus on the throw out bearing. Your starter motor is not dependent upon the clutch position.

Tom Jr

Sorry for the wrong forum use.

Anyway, I think I found the answer on the VW forums. It appears the ignition is stuck in the START position, so everytime I push the clutch in, it enables the ignition, which attempts to start the car.

xviper

My bad. You probably found the right answer. I completely forgot about the clutch/starter interlock switch.