We've had some frost last week and when I tried to start the engine (Signum 3.2V6 petrol) it made a loud clicking sound and nothing else happened. At first I thought that the battery had died, and after waiting a few seconds, it made two clicking noises, but still wouldn't start. So I waited a bit more and it made a few more clicking noises before finally it made the chug-a-chug sound to indicate it is trying to start. Waited some more and sure enough, it fired into life after that.

Ever since that morning, each time I want to start the car, it makes a couple of clicking noises first, after which I have to wait again, before it starts. Is this the starter motor which is die-ing, or could it be spark plugs, or is it something else? The battery seems fine after all...

Don't know this engine but sounds like the starter motor solenoid not engaging properly - check the cables on the motor are tight and if you have a relay in the fuse box for the starter motor circuit check it is seated properly.

If all else fails the circuit needs to be checked out by a dealer or electrical specialist.

Q, starter............

Thanks Octavia5 and Phil. I'll monitor it for now (this morning it was almost gone, which is rather odd), but I'll start saving up for a replacement in case it does go completely.

I kept a mallet in the boot of an old fiesta for exactly this.

Dead spot on the starter, so rock it in second off and try again and if not luck open the bonnet and hit the starter with the mallet (not too hard) to try and knock it off the dead spot.

For once I am glad that a part is well out of reach Can you just imagine me and a hammer?

SWMBO used the car yesterday and she remarked that it started fine without any hesitation... Can it just be a temporary glitch due to the extreme sudden cold?

For once I am glad that a part is well out of reach Can you just imagine me and a hammer?

How big is the hammer?:P

SWMBO used the car yesterday and she remarked that it started fine without any hesitation... Can it just be a temporary glitch due to the extreme sudden cold?

The fiesta was worse inthe cold, so i am guessing the bushes had worn and so the starter didn't get proper contact when everything marginally contracted in the cold.

The solution I had worked for a couple of years, but eventually it gave up so I fitted a new one.

Wont be solenoid if you can hear clicking.

Just a starter motor dead spot as already said.

HTH

How much? :eek:

£233.83 (part only) or £457.08 (inc fitting)... that's how much :weeping:

Had this on my suzuki. Had to rock it back and forth in gear to get it working, as said.

Got the starter motor reconditioned in the end. I'd get a quote for a recon'd part before u buy a new one...

How much? :eek:

£233.83 (part only) or £457.08 (inc fitting)... that's how much :weeping:

A motor electrician can put new bushes in yours most likely.

If not look for a recon and exchange unit and get it fitted at a local garage to fit it. I would have thought that it should be under £150 fitted (plus exchange deposit) unless it's in a really nasty place to get at.

An auto electrician is coming round on Monday to give me the verdict

The man, he came and went... Battery checked: fine; Ground loop(?) checked: fine; Starter motor checked: foobarred :(

He phoned a couple of garages to get me a few quotes, but none of them were interested in replacing it... apparently it is a complete pig to get to, so it seems VX may get the job after all...