QuestionVauxhall Astra 1.6 8v Club Petrol 5 door hatchback 07/07/1999.
The car had been running without problem, then i went out to start it and nothing. It doesn't attempt to turn over. There is no clicking noise during the attempt. All the electrics are working as normal.
I have turned the lights on when attempting to start to see if they dim, they don't.
I've read on internet forums it could be earth straps, ignition switch or starter motor/solenoid.
I am just enquiring to see whether the above suggestions would be correct and how i would know which one was the problem. I have a very limited knowledge therefore if you were able to diagnose the problem from the description I would appreciate a step by step guide on how to repair.
Thanks
Answer
starter tests
Could be:
Bad ignition switch, bad starter relay, bad earth strap, loose wire or connection in starter circuit.
Right.. with no knowledge... :p
CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS FIRST.
look at the diagram attached.
Test for power at the ignition switch starter output - a bulb grounded to negative will do the trick. turn key to START with a bulb wired to this output wire.
- if the bulb lights up then move onto the solenoid wire (thin wire that goes to the starter motor).
Try this wire for power in the same way.
Find where the power stops.
If there's no power at the starter wire from the ignition switch with key turned to start - bad ignition switch.
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If there's no power at the solenoid wire w/key turned - bad starter relay. (try bashing the starter RELAY with a screwdriver handle.. they sometimes stick "open" - if a few whacks brings the relay back to life you know where the problem is.. best to replace a relay thats done this.. it will only fail again.
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If there's no noise when you short the solenoid wire to the main battery lead (forcing the solenoid to be powered) - bad solenoid.
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If the solenoid clunks but the starter doesn't turn - bad starter/bad engine earth strap.
Check the earth straps- (unbolt, clean with sandpaper, dab with grease, refit tightly)
If there's still nothing from the starter... the starter needs replacing.
need any more help just ask.
(one more thing, if the solenoid seems to be the problem, whack it a few times with a wooden mallet, plank, something non-metallic but fairly heavy. the solenoid may be stuck - if this cures it then you just need a solenoid (they can be repaired but it's fairly pointless at £5 or so for a new/ebayed solenoid))
Hope that's not too complicated
