Starter Motor?

[chim289]

Hi I've had a hunt around the site and although I've found people asking about similar sounding problems nothing matches so would appreciate some ideas thanks.

 

Car: 2003, 1.9tdi, manual, 115ps, approx 92K

 

We've owned the car for 7 months and recently she's been at times quite slow to start. The last couple of weeks it's been getting more regular and has been slower each time it's been slow, but then can go for a week with no problems starting at all.

 

Yesterday DH went to work but car wouldn't start, tried both keys, nothing with either of them, just the click type of noise you get from the starter motor. A few tries and nothing, went back out 20 minutes later and a bit of a struggle but started. Has started perfectly every time since.

 

We replaced the battery on the car when we bought it so it has an almost brand new battery, there was nothing draining the battery as the lights on dash were fine, the remote locking worked fine and the headlights were bright. ALso as I say it wasn't even trying to turn over, just the 'clunk' sound from the starter motor.

 

Ideally we don't want to leave it if it is a dodgy starter motor as it's getting expensive spending

[mikej]

Check all the connections inc the earth strap on the starter, small braided one. Next time it refuses to do anything give it a clout with a hammer or should say the handle of the hammer just incase it's getting sticking. I have a petrol myself but can't imagine the starters being much different, if it does turn out to be stuffed and it sounds like especially if the battery is new, (diesels need a good old punch of power so the battery has to be good)and you can here it clicking when trying to start try e.bay as there are normally a few on there or even a scrappy, don't be a mug and buy new from a main steeler. Edited September 15, 2011 by mikej

[chim289]

Thanks, you seem to have the same thoughts as us. It's in a bit of a bitch of a position though, not really accessible to give it a whack, DH remembers having to do that quite regularly with a mk1 Fiesta he had! Will check the earth strap later. Unfortunately no scrappys anywhere near here :-( Any idea what the ebay ones are like? They're half the price of the basic ones from a motor factors but we've been stung so many times buying things from ebay not sure we want to risk it.

[Amarok]

My starter motor went the first week I had it on the road !,

when the AA man took a look it was covered in dents where the previous owner had been hitting it with a hammer !

I personally think the starter was put in the wrong place it is at the front of the engine and the solenoid (the bit that energises the starter and is what is sticking) is open to the elements, so they don't last too long :(

 

New starter from Ford, motor factors or eBay ??

 

New Starter - mine from Ford cost

Edited September 15, 2011 by Amarok

[chim289]

We had a hunt around on the internet and found someone locally who repairs starter motors. He's stripped it, found that the solenoid was rusted up inside so has cleaned up the whole thing, looks like a new starter motor, hopefully works as well as one. We shall find out tomorrow when it goes back on. Cost us

[Amarok]

I hear you friend,in the same boat !!

as I said in my post the solenoid is the weak link mabey a light dusting of wd40 would help keep it ship shape.

 

Kind Regards

Edited September 16, 2011 by Amarok