Hello,

 

Hoping someone might be able to help me eliminate what might be the problem before taking it to a garage. I'm a bit of a car noob.

 

I have a 2009 Fabia MK2 1.2 HTP petrol. 63K miles. Entry level trim.

 

About 3 months ago I got stranded in an Aldi carpark - it wouldn't start. Prior to this we've had the battery die on us a few times over the year, but this time turning the key wouldn't crank the engine at all - just got a 'click' noise and nothing. The engine, battery and EPC lit up on the dash.

 

Had a friend drive over and try jump start the car but didn't work as it has previously. Didn't seem to be the battery as lights and electric windows were working fine. Manged to get it to come back to life with a push start, and things seemed okay.

 

I bought a new battery as it was still running on the original and from some multimeter tests it seemed like it was on it's way out. Thought it could also be the starter motor but was hoping it was just the battery.

 

Then a couple of weeks ago it happened again. Another push start got us home. Turned engine off and started again fine. Battery read 12.63v so no problems there.

 

Went to use the car a week later and dead again. Tried hitting the starter gently with a hammer and turned the key, with no effect. Then remembered reading somewhere on this forum about trying the spare key, and eureka! Started first time.

 

So after scouring these forums I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities:

- Problem with the immobiliser or ignition

- Problem with the starter motor

- Problem with deteriorating cables

- Corrosion on battery connections/power distribution terminal

 

Any ideas? I can check with the multimeter if the starter is receiving enough power and might try that tomorrow (will scour YouTube for how-to videos).

Check the starter solenoid wire, just where it goes into the single pin connector housing. I suspect you'll find it's almost or actually broken.

 

Thanks Wino,

 

I checked both cables running into the starter and they both seem okay... Gave them a tug and there didn't seem to be any give. Car is starting fine at the moment.

 

Could it be immobilizer related, given that the spare key fired it up first time? I've cleaned a bit of dirt out if the key but doubtful it's the culprit.

 

Getting nagged into another dimension by my other half to take it to the garage. Worried that they just start replacing things that are working fine, or can't figure it out either.

 

Anyone know the best way to rule out the starter? I'm armed with a multimeter but not sure where to stick it. Missus has some suggestions...

It's not the immobiliser since that doesn't affect cranking.

 

It sounds like it's probably the starter solenoid which means replacing the entire starter motor assembly if you're using a garage to do it.

I agree with Sep. The clicking sound is the starter solenoid, possibly that the hold-on coil is defective.
 

If it happens again give the solenoid a whack, if you can access it. If not, try rocking the car in top gear to rule out a stuck pinion, but I reckon you’ll need a new starter motor.

Edited 29 May, 20215 yr by jars

Thanks sepulchrave & jars, I had read that a dying battery can put extra strain on a starter motor. I'll book it in and get it changed. In the meantime I should probably join Greenflag and stop trying my luck.

 

Not stumbled across the rocking technique. Might give it a go if the right song comes on! \m/ Cheers.

Don’t book it in to get to changed, book it in to diagnose the problem first!