Hi,

 

I'm planning to change my starter motor, but was surprised to find the part currently fitted to my Fabia has no obvious solenoid?

 

I think the part currently fitted is 02T911024A, or so some photos from the internet lead me to believe.  I'm guessing the solenoid is internal to the starter motor housing on these models?

 

Would I be safe to fit one of the models with the external solenoid - it's how it's shown in the 7Zap parts catalogue?

 

Any advice gratefully received.

 

Dan.

 

Edited 3 March, 20233 yr by dandare1980

A very quick look suggests that the correct part number for your car is 02T 911 023 G

A couple more images from the starter as fitted to my engine.

 

@Breezy_Pete I've checked your suggested part number, but notice that on some variants the solenoid plug seems to be a square type rather than the "D" shape fitted to my unit.

 

I've also seen this on a couple of other starters from the Fabia range which share part numbers, so I'm still not entirely sure but think that other than the plug type and being rated at either 0.9kw or 1.1kw, it hopefully won't make too much difference.

 

I haven't seen any re-manufactured units that have the solenoid integral to the starter body, so assume I'm safe to go with the more traditional design.

 

Dan.

 

I would grab a 2nd hand genuine one of that part number I suggested, it may even come with connector and a few cm of wire depending on extraction strategy.

They're usually very reliable, so I wouldn't worry about getting a used one. Ours is on 190 000 miles just now.

 

What's led to you wanting to replace it?

 

 

 

When I take your original part number of 02T 911 024 A and put it into parts catalog, it takes you to a VW Polo with same engine code.

 

If you google the part number, it of course has integrated solenoid.

 

As time goes on, it get's replaced by several replacements, and it gets external solenoid.

 

 

So it begins as...

02T 911 024 A

02T 911 023 R

02T 911 024 N

 

 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/02t911024n

@Breezy_Pete It's a cold start phenomenon - the starter has never been that willing, but during the last couple of years during winter cold snaps I've experienced slow to medium speed cranking where it will start turning but then sounds like it suddenly "jams up".  I've ruled out the battery and due to otherwise acceptable performance when the weather is above 5 degrees, I don't think it's the ignition switch or the solenoid wire.  I know it could be an earthing fault, but I've checked all cables and cleaned up connections where possible, although haven't got as far as testing things with a multi meter.  My gut says it's potentially the solenoid sticking, so I was going to take a chance on a second hand unit with a guarantee or possibly  a re-manufactured one.

 

@varooom it's useful to know this part was superseded by later versions.

I would check out the images of this nice clean one, so you can see if the plug matches your D type from what I can see they all do.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254789198960

 

From what I can guess, Skoda decided to maybe fit a different loom connector at some point, which is why the 02T 911 023 G part that @Breezy_Pete can see in the catalog (and I do also for your engine) doesn't line up with your connector fitted.  On paper, your starter was never fitted to your engine, but clearly it was.

Could it be a replacement engine plus gearbox from a Polo?

Could well be Pete, never can tell with VAG shared DNA (parts bin) or someone as you say dropped in a Polo engine.

Was asking the OP really, who may or may not know history of car.

 

It would be hard for me to say, but it's certainly not been swapped in the 5 years I've had it.

 

I think this second hand unit is possibly worth a go.

Agreed, only 8 years old. Should do well.

 @dandare1980 Before you hit buy it now...

 

spotted something in your images that may be worth pursuing.

 

 

Edited 4 March, 20233 yr by Breezy_Pete

Have you had this main engine earth connection off to clean up?  Looks kinda corroded from what I can see in the pic, though it could be OK on the actual contact surfaces. 

If never removed and checked, that's very much my top suggestion before spending anything.

 

Too late 😬

Have you ever cleaned that connection?

You can probably ask the seller to cancel the transaction if you haven't.

Yes, previously had that connection off, although there's no guarantee I did a good enough job cleaning it up as I was in a bit of a rush.

 

I'll report back if the new unit makes a difference.

If you've been there before that connection probably isn't the issue, even just removing and refitting it would probably improve the connection enough to make it 'good enough'.

Do let us know how you get on with the replacement though. 

IIRC the top bolt is a bugger to get out, 'cos the top of the gear select mechanism is in the way of it coming all the way out (so is best removed).  18mm socket required on the main bolts, possibly a deep reach one on the top one, as there's the little M8 stud bit coming out of the head that that earth attaches to. 18mm ring-spanner is the alternative, obviously.

 

There's a video online by Haynes showing the procedure which I think covers this.  Shame about the gear selector but often the way with these things.

 

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

Dan.

It's taken me a long time to get around to sorting this, but I managed to swap out my starter motor this Sunday while the weather was dry and so far so good.

 

I've probably lost the opportunity to test things under sub zero conditions, but since fitting there has been a noticeable difference between the two units.

The new starter spins a lot faster and the engine fires up without any hesitation - something it hasn't done in recent years, even in warm weather.

 

I will report back when the frosts start to bite again.

Dan.

 

 

As promised now that the frosts have started to bite, I'm pleased to confirm with a necropost that my issues with cold/damp starting were indeed fixed by fitting a new starter motor.

 

Dan.