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Car won't start help

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Downsizer

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As it says in the title I'm having problems starting my car, but I'm a bit of a car mong really. Here's whats happening:

The other day I went to start the car and it just went click, didn't turn over or anything, and each time I turned the key it went click. So I assumed the battery was kaput and bumped the car and it's been fine essentially since. This was about a week ago.

Last night I went to drive home from work and it went click again. I switched it off, turned the key again and it started straight away.

This morning same problem, click, and it wouldn't budge. After about 10 turns of the key it started again.

So what am I looking for then? I don't think the battery is kanckered because when you turn the key the console lights don't dim or anything, but I'm no expert. Help please dudes!
 
Sounds to me as though you either have a faulty starter solenoid or a sticky starter. What car is it?

If you have easy access to the starter motor, the next time it clicks give the starter motor a few taps with a hammer and see if that makes a difference. If it does, the starter is sticking and needs removal and cleaning up (or may even need new bushes inside).
 
Try tw@ting the starter motor with a hammer. Clean the solenoid electrical connection and also the starter earth lead. That should do it.
 
Sounds like the drive pinnion that engages with the fly wheel is sticking, Apart from overhaul/renewing it, all you can do is bang the starter motor as RP said or put the car in gear and rock it back and fowards this usually clears it. The joys of motoring !!
 
Yes. In other words, strip it down and find what's wrong (it will either be full of crud or have worn brushes for example) and repair/replace what needs replacing, or replace the whole starter motor.
 
docbombhead said:
Sounds like the drive pinnion that engages with the fly wheel is sticking, Apart from overhaul/renewing it, all you can do is bang the starter motor as RP said or put the car in gear and rock it back and fowards this usually clears it. The joys of motoring !!
Click to expand...

Yes this all points to a dodgy solinoid mate(sucking air through my teeth).
All the above coments are short term fixes, you will need to replace the starter at some point but if you rock the car in gear and tw@t the starter for now then it should see you through until you get a new one.
 
Overhaul could be renewing the brushes, a dodgey solenoid or the pinnion needs cleaning. Some car dealers do refurbished starter motors not sure how much a new one costs nowadays.
 
reminds me of my old beloved maxi, carried a hammer qwith me for 2 years:PDT_Xtremez_28:
 
Starter motors, hammers, reminds me of the days when I had my Ford Orion, then again on my Ford Escort. IIRC it's a very easy job to replace them. 3 bolts and an electrical connector last time I did one.
 
Tigger said:
Starter motors, hammers, reminds me of the days when I had my Ford Orion, then again on my Ford Escort. IIRC it's a very easy job to replace them. 3 bolts and an electrical connector last time I did one.
Click to expand...

My God man, you are talking about the old pinto engines that had so much room around them you could squeeze another one in!!! I think you will not find as easy these days.
 
Carrying a hammer is not just what I do. I carry a hammer, and many other tools (spanners, sockets, wratchet etc.), also keep a spare fanbelt and water pump in the vehicle. I also keep bulbs in it too, as well as a spare fuel pump diaphragm... oh and a dipswitch, replacement starter solenoid, and god knows what else. Did I mention I also have a 5 tonne trolly jack in it too? :PDT_Xtremez_35:

The pure joys of owning a near 40 year old piece of British engineering. :PDT_Xtremez_14:
 
Whaaaat

Whaaaat

Failing all of the advise below you could just call the RAC who will then take it to a garage who will then replace it for you for an small fee.:0 Bstards.
 
I've read this thread and would agree that it's probably the starter motor. They are cheap and easy enough to replace. Failing that, my Citroen BX started having this problem a few years ago and I traced it to the electronic ignition module (after trying many other things!!)
 
Rich_P said:
Carrying a hammer is not just what I do. I carry a hammer, and many other tools (spanners, sockets, wratchet etc.), also...........
Click to expand...

What’s a wratchet?
Is that something between a wrench and a ratchet?
lol

SCJ
 
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Yes, those things you can buy from Snapon that are like a Spanner but act like a Ratchet. :PDT_Xtremez_14:
 
Rich_P said:
Yes, those things you can buy from Snapon that are like a Spanner but act like a Ratchet. :PDT_Xtremez_14:
Click to expand...

Oh you mean a ratchet-ring spanner, but they call it a Wrench, Ratcheting Box (love the American terminology)

PS I know this isn't a ring spanner. Quick look I couldn't find one.


SCJ
 
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