Hi,

I'm new to the forum and need help please!

I've got an intermittent starting problem with my 1997 Felicia which is driving me nuts. The problem first appeared not long after the clutch was replaced. When I turned the ignition key there was just a click (which I'm pretty sure was the relay and solenoid activating). The engine wouldn't turn over and the starter motor wouldn't spin. Sometimes it started on the second turn of the key, and at other times it would take several turns of the key to start and at other times it would start first time! The problem was almost random but got progressively worse until the car would not start at all (or took too long to start to tolerate any more!). All I got was the click on each turn of the key. The battery seemed OK so I had the starter motor out, gave it a clean and re-fitted it but to no avail.

In the end I gave in and bought a new starter motor which seemed to solve the problem; the car started first time for about a month or so but gradually the same problem came back and is getting worse again. I'm completely baffled. Is it possible that the clutch replacement caused grease to go where it shouldn't or the flywheel teeth have been damaged in some way? Or is the clutch replacement just a co-incidence? Any ideas gratefully received.

Regards

Steve

The ignition switch could be faulty, connect a test lamp to the starter and see if it is getting power each time the key is turned.

replace the ignition switch it is a very comon fault on felicia i had to replace it twice till now.