Car wont turn over

23rd March 2015, 09:44

Hey everyone, first post here so go easy on me!

My car is an 1.6 02 plate VTR.

I'm not that great mechanically with cars so please excuse me if I don't explain something too well and also if you suggest a fix, can you please explain in as much detail as possible as I literally would need step by step details.

Basically my car has had this problem a few times where the car randomly decides to not start up, it hasn't happened in a few months now but randomly decided not to work this morning. Worst thing is that it passed its MOT on Friday!

I know it's not a battery problem as it's fairly new. When I turn the key I hear a tick and all the dash board starts and electric windows work, petrol gauge fills up etc, but the car doesn't attempt to start up. there's no other noises, it doesn't "chug" like the battery is dying, just nothing.

When it happened to me in the past I had to jump start the car and it worked and then continued to turn over fine for many months after and I forgot about the problem.

I've looked on this forum and there have been similar problems as mine and some people have put it down to earthing but I don't know how to check anything like that.

If anyone has any suggestions I can try when I get home from work that would be great!

23rd March 2015, 09:47

Sounds like starting motor has gone. Easy to replace

23rd March 2015, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milney8989

Sounds like starting motor has gone. Easy to replace

Would this be the case even if sometimes it does work?

23rd March 2015, 10:21

Can you hear the fuel pump from the back seats for a few seconds when you turn the key on the second position? If so it could be:

▪ Starter motor / starter motor solenoid & wiring
▪ Coil, HT leads, coil pack
▪ Crankshaft sensor (aka TDC sensor, engine speed sensor)

23rd March 2015, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeiRoN

Can you hear the fuel pump from the back seats for a few seconds when you turn the key on the second position? If so it could be:

▪ Starter motor / starter motor solenoid & wiring
▪ Coil, HT leads, coil pack
▪ Crankshaft sensor (aka TDC sensor, engine speed sensor)

I'm not sure, I don't think I could. If I jump start the car I can get it working and then it will turn over fine for a x amount of months

23rd March 2015, 10:34

Starter motors can sometimes stick,however it's worthwhile checking the earth cable on the battery for secureness & the voltage reading on the battery.

23rd March 2015, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo67

Starter motors can sometimes stick,however it's worthwhile checking the earth cable on the battery for secureness & the voltage reading on the battery.

I'm popping home at lunch time so I will have a quick look. Hoping it is something just as simple as the earth cable.

23rd March 2015, 11:53

It's almost certainly a starter motor. They can frequently stick like this and it depends on loads of factors as to whether it starts next time after a run - it could be that it always starts whilst the engine is warm but when left overnight it gets time to seize. Lots of variables unfortunately but as I say, change that starter 45 minute job with a cup of tea and biscuits and you'll be laughing

23rd March 2015, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

It's almost certainly a starter motor. They can frequently stick like this and it depends on loads of factors as to whether it starts next time after a run - it could be that it always starts whilst the engine is warm but when left overnight it gets time to seize. Lots of variables unfortunately but as I say, change that starter 45 minute job with a cup of tea and biscuits and you'll be laughing

Hmm you could be right. I will have a tinker about under the hood later and see what's going on; if I can't find the fault I'll purchase a new starter motor and have ago myself

I'm not great with cars as I've never really had to do much myself in the past but I do like to get hands on with things so it would be good to try this myself.

How much would one of the starters cost? £30-£50?

23rd March 2015, 12:12

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MO...item19e8b51c04

Doing simple mechanical stuff like the starter motor will give you a lot of confidence moving forward - and you'll find the more you do the easier stuff becomes. These cars are so simple they're great to learn on

23rd March 2015, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MO...item19e8b51c04

These cars are so simple they're great to learn on

yeah im finding that too. and this is my first saxo

23rd March 2015, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MO...item19e8b51c04

Doing simple mechanical stuff like the starter motor will give you a lot of confidence moving forward - and you'll find the more you do the easier stuff becomes. These cars are so simple they're great to learn on

Brilliant!

funny thing is I've just popped home at lunch and tried my car and it started first time with no problem. I'm starting to think that this is definitely the starter motor sticking from the cold.

Are there any quick fixes for this in case I face this problem before buying the new starer? I heard someone say that you can give it a light tap with a hammer to free it; would anyone recommend this tip?

23rd March 2015, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adsy

Are there any quick fixes for this in case I face this problem before buying the new starer? I heard someone say that you can give it a light tap with a hammer to free it; would anyone recommend this tip?

Yep - just tap it with a hammer a few times - on the metal casing, not the connectors etc obviously! Don't go full retard on it - just a gentle tickle.

23rd March 2015, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

Yep - just tap it with a hammer a few times - on the metal casing, not the connectors etc obviously! Don't go full retard on it - just a gentle tickle.

haha yea, I'm not going to get Thor on the thing :')