Cold Start

[Guest vicki]

:) Help. I have just had this galaxy since February (19.td, 2003) and it just wont start on cold mornings like today. Seems to be anything below about 5 degrees. There is absolutely nothing when I turn the key, even waiting up to 30 secs as suggested in the handbook. If I give it several goes on the glow plugs still nothing. Come back later in the day and it is fine, starts straight away. Had new battery fitted but it is still the same. Had it into Fords last week (warmer temps) and they ran full diagnostics and said everything was fine including the glow plugs and to bring it back next time (how can I if it wont start). Thought that would be in the winter but happened this morning as it was cold last night. Cant get to work so desparate for any advice please.

This forum has been great with the aux heater noises etc. Thought it was a major porblem till I read these pages so heres hoping someone can help me.

PS Suggested a booster heater but they said only if in Russia!!!

[NikpV]

There is absolutely nothing when I turn the key, even waiting up to 30 secs as suggested in the handbook.

 

what do you mean? does it turn over and no catch, does it not turn over........

[Guest vicki]

I mean absolutely nothing, no noises, no engine trying to turn etc, absolute silence.This morning it didnt start after several tries. Came back after work started first turn of the engine.

[NikpV]

Right - when you turn the key do you get lights on the dash, glowplug light etc

[NikpV]

Ok assuming you are getting lights on dash but when you try starting in the cold you get absolutely no noise no clicking, if so the starter solenoid becomes suspect, some sort of expansion/contraction problem in the driving circuit for this solenoid (heavy duty relay), temperature somehow affecting the solenoid itself. Best I can do with current info :D

[bigdaddy]

Is your gal an Auto,,,,,,,,,,,,,could be the solenoid for the auto select lever,,,,,,,,

[johnb80]

Is your gal an Auto,,,,,,,,,,,,,could be the solenoid for the auto select lever,,,,,,,,

NO, NO NO...... The solenoid for the selector only stops you moving the lever from Park or Neutral without having your foot on the brakes. The INHIBITOR switch will prevent you turning the engine over unless you're in Park or Neutral.

 

Regards - JB

[Gamedave]

Whichever it is called the point is good one, I sometimes have to put it into gear and take back out again a few times to get the old Gal started.

 

Gamedave

[johnb80]

You should be able to start in P or N

[redneck01246]

sounds like a faulty inhibitor switch :D

[tim-spam]

Have we actually established whether or not the car is an auto?

 

It could simply be a sticking or tired starter solenoid - try giving it a 'clonk' with a socket extension bar or something. If the car then starts, that's your problem. You will then probably need a new starter solenoid, although it could also be a loose connection in the wiring. An auto-electrician would probably be a better bet than Fraud, who would probably change the complete starter motor and charge a fortune.

 

However, if the car is an auto, it could be the inhibitor switch as previously mentioned.

[NikpV]

Have we actually established whether or not the car is an auto?

 

No we haven't got much to go on, we don't yet know if any of the dashboard lights come on :D

[Guest vicki]

Thanks for all your help so far chaps. Sorry I didnt get back yesterday.

 

It is a manual and yes all the lights come on when I turn the key. The glow plug light stays on for 2-3 secs only. Unfortunately it didnt start this morning and I didnt think it was that cold last night.

 

I haven't tried whacking the solenoid partly cos I'm not sure where it is. My hubby returns on Sunday so he can help out. It never not starts when he's around to help out (mind you he,s only home 4 days in every 16).

I am going to ring Frauds again later or might leave it and try the auto electrician my hubby knows, as you say will probably be cheaper and he will know what he's doing.

Thanks again

[NikpV]

When you turn the key do you hear any clicking ?

[Guest vicki]

There's no clicking, absolutely nothing. Once the key is truned back to the original position there is a whirring sound. I was told this was the starter motor re-engaging. This can continue for several minutes and then stops. It still wont start even if I wait till this whirring has stopped. I have noticed after a short one mile trip to the PO that it makes this noise.

[Masked Marauder]

Dodgy soleniod! Starter motor most likely needs overhauled or replaced, although it could be a bad connection. Try connecting 12V+ to the spade terminal where the thin wire is connected to the starter motor.

[Guest vicki]

Put it back into Frauds and it didnt start for them. Told it was the starter motor so am waiting for a replacement. Covered on the warranty hopefully, so it wont hit the purse strings too badly. Thanks for all your suggestions.