Hi,

My 03 vRS had a new battery 6 months ago. All was fine until this morning when nothing happened when I turned the key. Everything else works fine and the car bump-started and ran, but when I switched off again there was no sign of life from the starter. The headlights stay bright when turned on, then dim significantly when I turn the key to start, coming back brightly again when I turn back to run position. That suggests to me that the starter is drawing current, so the problem must be with the starter itself rather than the solenoid or a wiring issue. Before I order a starter motor does anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks for your help!

I've got a couple of spare starter motors from my 2004 vRS that I've split up for parts if you want me to send one over for you to try before you splash out on a brand new starter and that turns out to not be your problem.

Hi Mankee,

Really appreciate your offer - I'm going to try to get it sorted over this weekend as there are some races I want to get to. Going to check and clean all connectors, put the battery on charge just in case that's the issue, hit it with a big hammer. Will let you know how I get on.

 

Problem solved - wire between solenoid and starter was broken. Happy days

Result!