Saxo not turning over.

1. Kyouken Newbie Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 27

   #1 28th March 2012, 15:17

   Hello people,
   
   I am having a problem with my 1997 1.4 manual petrol saxo (with immobiliser)
   
   Basically for the last couple of weeks it isnt turning over consistently. I put my key in, turn it to power everything
   up, put my code in and then when i try to start all i hear is a loud "dink". Which is all it does many times in a row.
   When turning the key before trying to turn over I hear a dfffffffff, which is what the solenoid? or some motor?
   
   It seems to be worse in the morning where it wont go at all and again in the evening where it may start after several
   goes which makes me think temperature maybe playing a part. If I try in the afternoon it starts first time.
   
   I am not sure if the battery is in some way duff as it was pretty flat and needed charging a few weeks back
   (I had been away for two months and was only started up a few times and driven a short distance during that time)
   but it seems to be okay now. It does also seem to start better when I put the battery on charge however I am not sure
   if that just happens to coincide with it being the afternoon as well.
   
   It actually started having problems around the end of summer last year I think. Then it was only rarely and it would be ok
   on the second or third try.
   
   What are the mostly likely causes do you think.
   
   At the moment I am thinking sticking solenoid or starter motor. Where are they roughly located do you reckon? The sound
   seems to becoming from underneath at the back.
   
   Any help is appreciated.
   
   Cheers
2. Kyouken Newbie Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 27

   #2 28th March 2012, 16:41

   Quick update.
   
   Just charged the battery up and tried starting it up at 4:30pm and its been sunny all day.
   
   No luck, so maybe nothing to do with temperature or at least its now gone beyond temperature helping.
3. Kyouken Newbie Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 27

   #3 28th March 2012, 21:09

   Another update, Tried it again at 5pm and after a few times it turned over and started. Turned it off straight away and then back on again no problem. Did it again several minutes later and drove off.
   
   After leaving it for a couple of hours it wouldn`t start again and had to bump start it.
4. graham22211 Regular Poster Joined: Feb 2012 blyth northumberland Posts: 260 saxo 1.1i desire and a vectra sri 140 estate

   #4 28th March 2012, 22:34

   sounds like your battery go to your local eurocar parts or halfords and get your battery and alternater tested failing that make sure all your earths are conected properly give them a wire brush and a clean and tighten them all maybe this will help give it ago mate
5. Kyouken Newbie Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 27

   #5 29th March 2012, 12:33

   The battery I reckon is probably fine as when it does turn over it starts easy.
   Yesterday after getting it running I kept turning the key to spin the starter motor for quite a while in the hope it might free it up more. It started first time this morning so maybe it workwd I guess I will find out in the next few days. Hopefully doing the above doesn't damage the starter motor at all.
6. Kyouken Newbie Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 27

   #6 4th April 2012, 01:12

   I took the starter motor and solenoid off (why does it have to be at the back under the engine) cleared the grease and grime off the insides of the solenoid and shaft of the motor and also cleaned up the electrical contacts.
   
   Now starts first time everytime.
7. FurioAndy Frequent Poster Joined: Feb 2012 Newcastle Posts: 517 Saxo Furio Mark 2

   #7 4th April 2012, 02:37

   Glad to here its sorted bud.