Starter motor dead, ignition barrel sticky

[JimC]

Hi all, turned the key which stuck a bit then turned, ignition lights came on except for glowplug light, all I got was a click and no starter motor action. Bit embarrassing as this happened on the forecourt of the MOT garage just before the test. The mechanic shorted the battery straight to the starter motor, but still no joy.

They're changing the starter motor (£220 plus vat supply and fit), but have heard that sometimes the starter solenoid sticks on if the ignition barrel is dodgy, burning out the starter motor. Does anyone know about this? Bit pointless changing the starter just to burn it out again. It's a 97 310D Sprinter.

doesn't look like i'll make cornwall this week...

many thanks

 

[Hibbo]

Not quite sure what they mean... You'd certainly notice if the solenoid was stuck as the starter motor would be running all the time!

Take the barrel out and turn the ignition switch on its own and see what happens.

 

[Hibbo]

If your ignition barrel is sticky CHANGE IT NOW!

I've just had a right palaver with mine (w124) but the risk of it going completely and then having to a) get a locksmith, or b) smash the thing to smithereens made me act straight away!

PS. I'm sure you'd know if your solenoid was sticking as you'd hear the starter running all the time.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Unless it was stuck off, which is what happened on my last car. A tap with a hammer usually fixed it

 

[JimC]

yes, the Black Country spanner has been used, to no avail. Thx for the tip on sticky barrels Hibbo - new barrel/key has just been purchased (something I'm finding very refreshing about MB is how they actually hold stock on the shelves!! None of this JIT nonsense)