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        General >> Problems >> Starter Motor
        
(Message started by: philerup on Jan 8^th, 2005, 1:25pm)

Title: Starter Motor
Post by philerup on Jan 8^th, 2005, 1:25pm

Hi Gents

Checking my 1998 facelift 2.3 Ghia X Estate Auto for her forthcoming MOT today. When i tried to start her all i get is 'clicks' and no engine movement at all. :(

She was fine yesterday. :)

From the days of my youth (ah a long time ago) i recall such a problem was typically due to a jammed starter motor. The solution being stick in gear and give a good rock or push start.

As I am new to the intricate workings of such a fine machine i don't want to do more harm than good adopting the old methods.

I know from the excellent main site that the starter is pre-engaged and operated by a solenoid which can sometimes 'stick'.

Can any of you decent fellows advise me of the correct course of action to take or have I got the diagnosis wrong?

Cheers
Phil C

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by Paul B on Jan 8^th, 2005, 2:17pm

You tried connecting jump leads?
Mine does the clicking thing sometimes (fast, repeated clicking that is).
It means the battery's a bit too flat I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by Snoopy on Jan 8^th, 2005, 2:27pm

If the starter motor is jammed ... which I very much doubt then you will NOT be able to do it with an auto as the car has to be in gear and rocked backwards if in a forwards gear or forwards if you put it in reverse it has to throw the dog out the opposite way... rocking the wrong way only icreased the problem.......

but I would have thought that starting with jump leads has top be the way to go as already suggested.. then get battery fully charged and checked.... if its duff then get a new one ... and remember the panel in fornt of the battery lifts out to assist access.........

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by philerup on Jan 8^th, 2005, 2:38pm

Hi Gents

Did as suggested and used jump leads - Success :)

Will give battery a god charge and get it checked.

Thx
Phil

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by johnv on Jan 8^th, 2005, 7:03pm

madmanscorpio got a battery on ebay at starting of £4.99. but you have got to go and get it his courier will not ship it. Thats is no doubt why it did not sell the last time.

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by Eddie on Jan 9^th, 2005, 4:15pm

If a Battery has a 'god' charge does it last forever and ever..Amen? ;D

eddie

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by bigmaltwo on Jan 9^th, 2005, 6:37pm

as a breakdown mechanic, I come across this problem every day :(.
for some reason, modern batterys perform well and then seem to give up all at once. the older types did give you a bit of warning first though >:(!
In my experience, modern (pre-engaged) starters do not stick in mesh (unlike the old inertia type), but it's surprising how many people assume the starter is faulty, when it's only a flat(ish) battery. It just sounds a lot more expensive than it is :o
hope a good charge did the trick though.
cheers
mal.

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by johnv on Jan 9^th, 2005, 7:24pm

What Mr. Big Maltlwo says is very true. but I throught everyone knew that.
Batteries now adays will be fine one day the next day its a goner.
Remember the old days you had to part exchange you old lead battery for a new one. Nowadays they could not care less about your old one.
I never had to hand back a old battery in part exchange for a new one.

It tells you in the owners handbook the size of batteries for petrol engined cars it like other say 60APH

Title: Re: Starter Motor
Post by philerup on Jan 10^th, 2005, 7:19pm

Hi Again

Update.

Gave battery a 'god' charge - prayed it would be Ok.

No such luck obviously He was not listening.

When I tried it after charging, the engine turned over slowly and just managed to start. However once i stopped engine I couldn't restart - only got clicks and the demented needles on the intrument panel.

Took battery to local motor factor who disagnosed it to be ready for the great scrapyard in the sky.

It failed quickly ie Ok one day , duff the next.

New heavy duty version fitted as recommended by shop - this is 620A. No problem - starts first time again. :)

Incidentally the shop took the old one not as an 'exchange' as in the old days but because i asked them to dispose of it for me.

Cheers
Phil C