Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[jonathanh]

where do i start:

twice recently I've had an intermittent problem.  The starter has failed to engage.  All i get is a click from under the bonnet.  I could tell the starter was pulling current as I had lights on and they were dimming. but nothing else happens - just a click

It seems intermittent, only need to give it s few tries and it turns over fine and fires up.

I'm still on the original battery but when the starter connects it turns the engine over fine.

where do I start? 

I don't think it is electrical as such because when the starter clicks it seems to be drawing power.  It must either be mechanical or could it be the battery on its last legs?

any thoughts or suggested checks?

thanks in advance

[dbug]

Sticky solenoid?

[jonathanh]

I was thinking sticky solenoid but

1. its relatively low mileage (75k and never does short runs) so not had that much work

2. I would have thought that if the solenoid was not engaging I would not get lights dimming, well actually going out when the starter clicks.....

could this be a dying battery?

[pscocoa]

check starter  lead connections - I had similar a couple of years ago

[jonathanh]

many thanks for the suggestion - now that would be interesting if they are loose - they have never been touched from the factory! - same goes for battery terminal.  However best to rule them out I feel!

I wonder if it is the solenoid - not worn out but the opposite - lack of use?

[raywilb]

i had a problem with mine last year, took it out & cleaned it & it was ok for a few months. eventually though i had to get one when prob started again, been ok since.