QuestionQUESTION: The starter motor packed up on our Combo a couple of weeks ago. We have had a new one fitted. But since then starting the van has been intermittent. We have fitted a new ignition switch thinking this may be the problem. But we still have the same problem. Sometimes it starts with no problems, other times it doesnt. There seems to be a pattern of, if you leave it a while after having used it, it will then start. When it doesnt start, when you turn the ignition there is just a clicking sound. Any ideas on what the problem could be?
ANSWER: Probably a loose connection at the battery or at the starter motor.
Check the red battery lead first for security - if its ok follow the thick red wire from the battery down to the starter, wiggle it where it connects to the starter to see if its loose - if it is loose or seems dirty or corroded in any way:
***remove the positive battery lead from the battery first to prevent risk of shorting***
Fully undo the nut holding the thick red wire to the starter
Then clean each part of this connector - the cable end, the nut, the washer and the stud that it was held on with sandpaper.
put a little grease on the components before refitting.
replace in the order - Cable, washer(s(smooth washer last if theres a spikey one)), nut.
Tighten the nut. - Try it now.
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QUESTION: Thanks. Have done all that. Still the same....intermittently starting. Seems to start but then if you try again straight away it wont. If you leave if for an hour it will then start. Any other ideas?
Answer
How to short Solenoid.
hmm..
Check the battery negative cable, follow it down to where it bolts to the bodywork(earthing strap), check/clean this connection in the same way as before.
There is also an earthing strap going from the engine to the body, check/clean both ends of this in the same way.
-- try it.
still no joy..
When it's warm and not starting have someone turn the key and keep it held in the START position and check for power at the starters solenoid wire (the thinner wire)
You can test it with a bulb and wire grounded to the car body, or a multimeter.
If there is power at the solenoid terminal when the key is turned and you don't hear a clunk from the solenoid the solenoid is broken.
If you do hear the clunk but the motor doesn't turn the starter motor is broken.
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The earth straps are obvious - thick copper braided cable looking like flattened rope OR insulated cable around the same thickness as the thick red battery lead.
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As a foolproof test - short the two terminals on the starter together with a screwdriver,
(dont have your eves too close, theres usually a big spark when you do this)
if the motor and solenoid are working this will make the engine crank (and start if the ignition is on)
- this would prove whether the fault is the starter itself, or that there's just no power getting to the starter solenoid when the key is turned.
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If anything is unclear just post a follow-up.
