starter motor problem

[tonko007]

Hi all I have read the quote regarding this but im a little dumb at times but hey ho anyway my problem is starts when its cold or has been sitting for a few hours after a run but if its warm and you go to fill up with fuel it refuses to start I just get 1 click under the bonnet lights on dash go out etc but doesn't turn over just a click but I know that you shouldn't do this but when running if you turn the key as in to start it again while running starter kicks in so I know that it works when its running PLEASE HELP THANK YOU

[steve_earwig]

Which quote?

That sounds like a bad battery connection, or maybe in the lead where it attaches to the start motor. Check the battery connections first. Not sure how old your cat is but if it has a BSI you should let the car go to sleep before disconnecting the battery - pop the bonnet, sht the door and wait 3 minutes before you disconnect the battery. Similarly, don't reconnect it with a door open. Full hokey cokey here viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13431&p=122217&hil ... le#p122217

[jasper5]

I would have the battery tested before you go any further.

[tonko007]

Hi its a 2001 2.2 hdi battery contacts are clean as a whistle

[jasper5]

Is the battery in good condition? Have you had it tested?

[tonko007]

I have had the car for 3 years and not changed the battery but whats puzzling me is it starts from cold but if I have done a journey and it's warm if I turn it off and try to turn it back on it just does one click and thats it but leave it for a few hours and it will start again

[highlander]

The click you hear is going to be the relay for the starter motor. A relay is basically a remotely controlled power switch, intended to provide some isolation between the low-powered ignition key circuit and the much higher-powered starter motor circuit.

If all the dashboard lights, headlamps, radio, etc. all come on, then the battery is at least providing some power. You could have a dodgy relay?

If the battery was borked, I'd expect the starter motor to never work. You should still get the battery tested though. I'd wager that replacing a battery is easier and cheaper than swapping out a starter motor, but you can get your battery tested for free at places like Halfords.

[tonko007]

Can they test the battery while the car is running as if I turn it off it probably wouldn't start again

[steve_earwig]

That would be ok, if the fault is actually present when they're looking at it they'd be better placed to diagnose it.

This bit

I just get 1 click under the bonnet lights on dash go out etc

sounds exactly like what happened to me when my battery crapped out, it had the voltage but just couldn't provide the current any more. My battery didn't recover like yours seems to, which makes me think you have a bad connection somewhere, rather than it being the battery, but I'd listen to jasper as he has a great deal more experience than I do.

[tonko007]

Thanks guys will ask my friend to bring his multi meter thingy home with him what should it crank at please many thanks paul

[PeterN]

Connect the meter across the battery and try to engage the starter, if the voltage drops very low, less than 6 volts say the battery will be faulty, if it doesn't drop at all or very little the fault is with the starter or solenoid.

Peter

[jasper5]

The usual situation when you get a battery fault is that when you turn the key the lights go out.
A starter fault usually shows as a click with the dash lights constant...no flicker.

Unfortunately it doesn't always happen this way that is why you should test the battery first.

I have had driving school cars and taxis where the car starts from cold but doesn't when warm...always been a battery fault.
I had one driving school car that drove all day on lessons, starting first time every time, then failed to start later in the day ...battery gone with no symptoms...just gave up in one go!

Sometimes you can give the starter a crack with a hammer and it will start...sure sign it's broken!
You can also jump start this car and see if it starts...that might confirm a battery fault.

A simple battery check will save a lot of guesswork and aggro!

[tonko007]

Thanks everyone have got a friend who works in a garage so will run it in on Friday after work will be warm so will probably not start again when I get there so thanks again paul