Starter Just Makes One Click

[ScoobyJawa 22]

Hi all

 

I've had an intermittent problem for ages where turn the key would just be a click but if you rocked the key a few times the starter would eventually kick in and start the car.

 

It got to the point now where nothing happens, just the click. I've got over 13v across the battery.

 

I see just over 6v either side of the brown multiplug starter wire - is that right?

 

Going to see if I can run a direct feed from the battery to the starter solenoid to see if thats any better.

 

Anything else I should be trying?

 

(Starter was fitted new a few years ago)

Cheers

Neil

[welshpug 1,627]

replace the length of wire from the plug under the dash to the starter solenoid and you should be sorted

[ScoobyJawa 22]

Thanks welshpug

 

Just to add I've got the car going again by jumping it, but still had the flick key multiple times issue before she turned over.

 

So looks like the battery is a bit of a weak link but I guess the solenoid wire is too then.

 

Where abouts is the wire under the dash and how easy is it to run to the solenoid? (I assume doing this is a bypass of the brown multiplug too?)

 

Ta

Edited May 12, 2012 by ScoobyJawa

[steve@cornwall 100]

i join mine at the ignition switch and run straight to the starter ...sorted

[ScoobyJawa 22]

Is it the same colour at the ignition as at the multiplug?

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

and before you do any of that you could just short the solenoid terminal to the live terminal on the starer motor to confirm that the solenoid isnt fried! pointless doing any wiring to find out its no different

[welshpug 1,627]

fried solenoids are damn rare!

[ScoobyJawa 22]

Thanks chaps - any particular wire or would some 5amp stuff I have be ok?

[christopher 5 1 Cars]

Change the ignition switch. They get worn and dont pass enough current.

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

As Chris said, and also the wire is worth changing from the brown plug under the dash to the starter without going thru the plug in the engine bay

[petert 555]

I find it's easier just to put a relay between the brown plug and the starter solenoid, rather than replacing things. The switch will still pass enough current to energise a relay.

[ScoobyJawa 22]

Hmmm, a relay is not a bad idea, save having to get into the dash etc....

 

Any specific relay needed?

[welshpug 1,627]

You don't need to get into the dash with any of the other suggestions.

[petert 555]

Just your average 30AMP relay. The battery is right there, so easy to get a high current supply and just find wire 46 and splice in a relay.

[ScoobyJawa 22]

You don't need to get into the dash with any of the other suggestions.

 

Don't you have to remove trim to get to the ignition?

[welshpug 1,627]

yeah, that's not the dash though.

 

I'd replace the wire first and check how much voltage you get down it.

Edited May 15, 2012 by welshpug