Author Topic: Intermittent dodgy start up (Read 1235 times)

iceblue · « **on:** May 10, 2019, 12:30:05 PM »

Hi all, over the last couple of weeks this has happened 2 or 3 times - get in the car and when I turn the key, all dash lights come on ok but engine only just about turns over (as though the battery's flat). Then on next attempt it starts fine. Then it starts perfectly every time until the next random time when the above happens. I've got an adaptor to run 2 things off the ciggy lighter (dashcam & satnav) which has a battery voltage readout on it and this is reading over 12 volts all the time so I guess the battery is ok?? Anyone got any suggestions?

Jocko · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2019, 01:13:37 PM »

Check the earth strap between the engine/transmission and battery/chassis.

iceblue · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2019, 01:42:29 PM »

Quote from: Jocko on May 10, 2019, 01:13:37 PM

Check the earth strap between the engine/transmission and battery/chassis.

Thanks Jocko, can I assume you mean the bit I photo'ed?
If so, it looks good and tight to me

Jocko · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2019, 02:07:53 PM »

That looks fine, but there should also be a connection from the chassis to the transmission, often braid for flexibility.

iceblue · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2019, 02:30:45 PM »

Quote from: Jocko on May 10, 2019, 02:07:53 PM

That looks fine, but there should also be a connection from the chassis to the transmission, often braid for flexibility.

Can't see any braided wires anywhere, but not really sure where I'm supposed to be looking. Can you guide me? Can it be checked from under the bonnet or would it have to go up on a ramp to be checked?

Jocko · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2019, 04:06:32 PM »

According to the Haynes manual it is attached to the front of the left hand (transmission) mounting. Looks like it can be seen at the front of the head.

Item 11.

midg8290 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2019, 04:41:36 PM »

On my Renault Clio I had the same problem, thought is was the battery but wasn't, turns out the starter was on its way. That was new to me as I've always known them to pack up rather than play around.

I know it's a different car but maybe worth a thought?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

culzean · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2019, 05:12:03 PM »

If not the battery it could either be starter motor commentator is 'tired' or brushes worn or the contact in the solenoid ( the solenoid pushes the motor gear into the flywheel teeth and when it is fully engaged an electrical contact makes and puts power onto the starter motor).