starting problem

1. wijnekus Newbie Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 1

   #1 22nd March 2010, 15:51

   My 1997 Saxo (65K miles) has a huge starting problem.
   When turning the ignition key the engine does not turn over. You will hear a click on the starter motor. Arriving at the Citroen Dealer they told me it is the starter motor. Based on my experience I told him that the starter motor is only 1 year old and is NOT the problem. They replaced the motor anyway at a expense of € 230. Three days later the same problem. Car does not start. I told them to analyze the problem and now they are tracing the wiring and/or the ignition. They can not find the problem. Is it the ECU. How do you analyze the problem or does anybody check a particular part first?
   Regards,
   Ernest Wijnekus, Galway Ireland
2. user_40784 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jan 2010 London Posts: 2768

   #2 22nd March 2010, 16:03

   you sure its not the battery?
3. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #3 22nd March 2010, 16:04

   sounds like either the alternator isn't charging the battery, or you have a drain on your battery.
   
   Get Citroen to test the draw from the battery when the car is sat there - will immediately tell you if it's that.
   
   Otherwise, get the car running, and check the resistance and voltage the alternator is putting out, and whether it's charging the battery.
   
   Both the above things aren't difficult to do with a cheap multimeter - surprised at Citroen tbh, thought they'd have done these tests.