starter motor

Guest · Jun 10, 2006

Hi all, is it usual for a starter motor to work (taking car out of garage) washing it (the car) then for it not to turn over half an hour later?[

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Fred Hindle · Jun 10, 2006

Don't know if its unusual or not but the exact same thing happened to mine some years back. Unless you know the shortcut it is an engine out job to replace.
Don't know if the DME has anything to do with it but check your DME relay.
Someone will know on this forum, over to Computamedic.[

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Cheers,

burrow01 · Jun 10, 2006

I don't think the DME controls the starter motor, only the fuel pump, so the starter will turn but the engine will not fire when the DME relay fails

Could it be alarm / imobiliser related? Have you tried rocking the car to see if it frees it?

Pete

Dave Wilkinson · Jun 10, 2006

Tone,

Basically, what Pete said. The clue must be in what noises you get when you turn the key. If nothing at all it would imply no current getting to the solenoid - typically what would happen if an immobiliser was preventing starting. If you get a "click" the solenoid is activating - that would imply no current to the motor (or a stuck motor). I think we need more detail to help.

Regards

Dave

Guest · Jun 11, 2006

Dave, When I turn the key its like a very flat battery,try's to turn for a second thats it, then the alarm starts, but, its got a non factory alarm fitted and when (under normal conditions) the imobiliser cuts in you try to start it, it turns over but will not fire.I'm pretty sure the battery's ok, I had it on charge for a few hours.

Fred Hindle · Jun 11, 2006

Sounds to me as if it is the motor itself.[

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Are there any local indies in your area? Sounds like the next step.
Cheers,

Guest · Jun 11, 2006

PANIC OVER!! I got someone to look at it and it was the battery! there is a drain of 4.4amps I have got to find out where it is?

Fred Hindle · Jun 12, 2006

Tone,
Check that the engine compartment light is going off when you shut the bonnet.
You can check if this is causing the drain by removing the bulb and then seeing what drain you have.
It may seem crazy for one light to be the problem but mine would flaten a fully charged battery in 24 hours.
Cheers,

Guest · Jun 12, 2006

Cheers Fred, I'll give that a go.

Neil Eldred · Jun 15, 2006

And for future referance you dont need to remove the engine to get the starter motor out. I have changed mine before with the engine in. Its a pig of a job but it is possible.

Regards,

Neil Eldred