starting problems

[eurag]

I have a intermittent starting problem. When i turn the key sometimes she starts fine, other times nothing happens. Turn the key upto a dozen times before anything happens. The warning lights go off as you turn the key but the headlights dont dim. Starter not even trying. I think its either the imobiliser or the starter solenoid. When she turns over she starts perfectly. What's your thoughts?

 

[supergnome]

Read Battery drain thread, this might help.David.

 

[Terranical]

I have a intermittent starting problem. When i turn the key sometimes she starts fine, other times nothing happens. Turn the key upto a dozen times before anything happens. The warning lights go off as you turn the key but the headlights dont dim. Starter not even trying. I think its either the imobiliser or the starter solenoid. When she turns over she starts perfectly. What's your thoughts?

Possibly ignition switch, they're prone to failure and a very common problem. Try turning the key VERY slowly, if it starts ok you've found your problem.
You don't need to replace the whole thing, just the electrical switch itself i.e. not the lock and key.
About £30-£35 from Nissan or Ford.

 

[glanrichbex]

Bad battery +ve connection to the solenoid+motor

It could be the solenoid ( as mentioned ) ... if it doesn't click open circuit coil or ignition switch.

Dirty / scored / worn commutators in the starter motor

Worn Brushes in the starter motor

A dead winding in the armature of the starter motor.

Connect a bulb across the wires to the solenoid coil, does it light when you turn the key?

 

[jims-terrano]

I'm thinking switch too, turn the key slowly next time the problem rears its ugly head and see what happens.

Dead easy to replace, remove sterring column cowls and then you'll see it. Hardest thing is the single screw that holds it on being at a silly angle.

Jim

 

[eurag]

thanks for the tips. I hope it is the switch, easiest to fix. will let you know.

 

[stinka]

switch, mate

 

[bladeliker]

is it greasy because i had that same problem this morning its the connection between the leads and the battery try with a wire brush i just used my finger and got all the crap of the battery and the connectors.
but dont forget to unplug at least one earth as i found out this morning when my hand acedenty touched the other side :doh:doh it soon woke me up quicker than cofy and red bull mixed

 

[Fez_uk]

if you hear the clock of the solenoid on the starter it's the starter motor thats duff.

 

[glen]

switch

If switch they is a very tiny screw in a hard to reach place good luck, but it can be fixed
Glen

 

[glanrichbex]

If the solenoid clicks, it is a sign that your key switch is working but the solenoid may still be at fault, the electromagnet is pulling the slug but contactor isn't making good connection.

I mention ' the bulb test' again - connect a 12volt bulb across the heavy duty contacts of the solenoid and if there is a potential difference created by a bad connection ( resistance ) across those two termainals the bulb will glow. It will glow brightly when you are not cranking over as the starter motor is providing a path for the current to flow - but when you are cranking over the bulb should go out completely.:thumbs

 

[solarman216]

If the solenoid clicks, it is a sign that your key switch is working but the solenoid may still be at fault, the electromagnet is pulling the slug but contactor isn't making good connection.

I mention ' the bulb test' again - connect a 12volt bulb across the heavy duty contacts of the solenoid and if there is a potential difference created by a bad connection ( resistance ) across those two termainals the bulb will glow. It will glow brightly when you are not cranking over as the starter motor is providing a path for the current to flow - but when you are cranking over the bulb should go out completely.:thumbs

that is a very good test but to my mind accessibility makes it to hard, if you simply remove the starter solenoid wire and link it to a bulb and earth the bulb should light when key switch turned to start, not being critical just I think easier, Rick

 

[glanrichbex]

that is a very good test but to my mind accessibility makes it to hard, if you simply remove the starter solenoid wire and link it to a bulb and earth the bulb should light when key switch turned to start, not being critical just I think easier, Rick

That will only test the key switch and not the solenoid.

 

[solarman216]

That will only test the key switch and not the solenoid.

Accepted, Rick

 

[eurag]

Starter motor removed after needing a tow start. What a ba**ard position to fit it. 4 hours in the baking sun yesterday. Only way it would come out was upwards through the tangle of pipes and cables. Bench tested it and it worked:doh. Stripped it as far as i could (one solenoid screw jammed solid). Cleaned and lubricated all moving parts and refitted. Currently working as it should so finger crossed. I will pick up a spare just in case.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Banshee]

I had this in a Fiesta that I had back in the day, turned out that the transponder in my key was on the way out so I ripped one out of one of my spares and fitted it into my current key and it worked fine

 

[peter277]

intermitent starting

hi think i have similar problem!!! if i turn key quickly,as norm, i hear the solenoid clunk in but it doesnt start if i turn key slowely it starts every time ?????? so starter or the small electric bit held by 1 screw onto bottom of ignition barrel ??????

 

[eurag]

Update

Well my nicely lubed starter lasted a week before it started playing up again. Got another starter from the breakers and all seems ok for now. fingers crossed.