Hello all, the starter motor failed on my 2004 Fabia 1.4 TDI. I have had to bump start it a couple of times, as the "fixed" starter failed to work when I re-fitted it.

After a couple of bump starts, the glow plug light now blinks constantly, and the power steering took a while to kick in. I have only done this twice, to move the car around the yard until i can get a replacement starter, any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.

It sounds more like a 'Duff' battery, maybe that's why the starter motor won't operate. Get the battery checked out first.

DB.

It sounds more like a 'Duff' battery, maybe that's why the starter motor won't operate. Get the battery checked out first.

DB.

No, the battery is giving 13v at standstill, so that's not the problem with the starter. We attached a booster that my neighbour uses to start his tractor, and that failed to spin the starter too!

The starter has been removed, "fixed" and re fitted, but to no avail.

And what is the flashing glow plug light, and power steering problem to do with?

Is bump starting harmful?

Edited 20 January, 201214 yr by excollier

I bump started my car when the battery needed replacing and the power steering stopped working. Started working fine after the car was switched off and back on again.

The battery can give 13v on a multimeter and still lack the current to start a TDI...it's all about the cold cranking amps.

The battery can give 13v on a multimeter and still lack the current to start a TDI...it's all about the cold cranking amps.

You are exactly right! The person who fixed the starter simply dropped in a spare battery and away it went, first turn of the key.

It is the original battery, and I guess it has had enough, although the starter was the initial problem, it was enough to finish the battery off.

Problem solved, and thanks all for your input.