Ignition problem - engine does not fire up

[42731]

Further to my previous thread about ignition problem, it happened again. Parked the car and when I came back in 20 minutes, the key turned, the dashboard lights came on, but the engine would not fire. There was a muted click as though the solenoid was activated. "0 minutes later, after unsuccessful tries, it suddenly came back and the engine fired. Any further suggestions on this matter? Is there a switch or something that is not engaging?

Anyway, during this non-working period, I let the car roll backward and this it did in reverse gear, neutral and drive gear - in fact every position of the lever except park. Is this normal for gearboxes to be disingaged in reverse and drive when the engine is not fired up?

 

[42731]

Sorry "0 minutes was '20 minutes'

 

[shrekky]

by the sounds of things you have a sticking starter motor,the dull click you describe is the solenoid on top of the starter coming in but the starter wont turn.............and by the way you said "park" i take it is a automatic ?...........if so then yes this is usual,as the gearbox does not engage until the engine is fired up and doing a set amount of revs

 

[42731]

Thank you, Shrekky

 

[stuarth]

sticking starter

So what is the answer to a sticky starter -which bit woudl stick or is it just a question of stripping it to see?

 

[pascal]

A tap with a hammer, to get it going. Then I spose a rebuild.

 

[TimN]

When you say "did not fire" would normally suggest that the engine turned and then stopped when the key was let go. If this is the case then it has nothing to do with the starter motor. I haven't read you earlier thread but I suspect you mean "did not turn". Starter motors are exchange units from the likes of EuroCarParts and German and Swedish. However it would be worth establishing that the fault does indeed lie with the starter motor.

Knock the car out of gear putting the handbrake on first. "DO NOT LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IN NORMAL MOTORING POSITION" Take a length of wire. If you have some with crocodile clips on then even better. One the back of the solenoid remove the small wire (it will either be retained by a small bolt or be clipped on. Attach one end of you wire on it using the crocodile clip. Check that the wiore will not snag on fan, belts etc and then place the other end of the wire on the positive terminal. If the engine fails to turn over then you could check the condition of the engine earth strap and temporarily bypass it with a jump lead. If it does turn then you may be losing voltage in the ignition switch or cabling or the motor may be finished.

 

[42731]

Ignition problem

Thanks, Tim. It does not turn. I'll try your method and see what happens.