Hi All, have the sticking/squeaking starter motor prob on cold starts. Please can someone tell me where the motor is located within the engine bay (i'm not the least bit technical ! - a photo would be great:thumbup: ) and the best way to lubricate it - to see if i can cure the problem before forking out for a new one please.

many thanks in advance fraz

If it's a nasty-sounding high pitch whirr, like something is being made to spin very fast and it doesn't want to, and it lasts a second or two after you start, then I think you'll need a new starter (which is covered by warranty if you have one).

I haven't heard of lubricating anything - I thought the problem was to do with the solenoid packing up, and the starter arm (can't remember proper name) not getting out of the way of a flywheel fast enough, so the noise is the arm hitting the wheel. If not fixed, it can damage other, more expensive parts.

Other people might be able to comment on possible repairs, but I thought the solution was usually a replacement starter.

Ok, there is some mention of cleaning having helped:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14660&highlight=starter+motor

thx for the reply BK1 - can anyone point out where abouts in the engine bay the starter motor is please????

thanks

anyone pleasssssse?????????...before it gets dark!?

Follow a large wire coming off the battery positive going down about 18" it leads to the back of the starter motor, you will need to disconnect the battery and disconnect the wires going to the back of the starter motor and you will need to unbolt the unit from the top of the bellhousing, if the motor spins and won't make contact with the flywheel you can clean the shaft of the motor with parrafin to clean the dirt off DONT OIL THE SHAFT as this then attracts dirt to stick on it and it will foul up quicker, if it wont spin then it is probably the solenoid at the back,hope this helps as I havent had mine out so it is a general removal discription.

If it's a nasty-sounding high pitch whirr' date=' like something is being made to spin very fast and it doesn't want to, and it lasts a second or two after you start, then I think you'll need a new starter (which is covered by warranty if you have one).

I haven't heard of lubricating anything - I thought the problem was to do with the solenoid packing up, and the starter arm (can't remember proper name) not getting out of the way of a flywheel fast enough, so the noise is the arm hitting the wheel. If not fixed, it can damage other, more expensive parts.

Other people might be able to comment on possible repairs, but I thought the solution was usually a replacement starter.[/quote']

OOOO! really? mine is doing that, wasnt picked up by the dealer at the last service, how much is a new starter and should I definitely get it done? (out of warranty now.)

Is your sound definitely the starter? Be sure it's not a general rattle on startup ( a few seconds of rattling, like something plastic is loose under the bonnet. I think that's the hydraulic lifters and it's "normal").

If it's definitely coming from the starter then it's a real nasty noise, and you'll know about it. I think it may even last less than a second.

I'd say get it checked, most places will hear it and agree a new starter is needed, but maybe you should see how fraz gets on with cleaning??

I had to leave my car at a dealer so they could start it when cold to hear the noise.

nearly a year on and mines acting up again. its been sound all through this last year of nice(er)weather.

nearly a year on and mines acting up again. its been sound all through this last year of nice(er)weather.

so no bad things have happened to your car in the last year then? no fly wheel damage etc.

My car did this last winter and I remember people on here saying cleaning it would solve the problem.

Mine still does it a year later and I've not yet cleaned it.

went out and tested mine at lunch while the weather is warmer (6 deg!) still does it, maybe not quite as bad, but probably looks like I should replace it.

went out and tested mine at lunch while the weather is warmer (6 deg!) still does it, maybe not quite as bad, but probably looks like I should replace it.

i'd go with cleaning first mate,may save yourself a fair wedge,circa 90 quid exchange i think i got quoted.

and afaik no apparent damage to mine (touch wood)