Cassy won't start

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:00

Got back from picking Danielle up from work, Cassy was fine.
Just tried to start her to go and get new tyres and some essentials, the starter motor isn't turning at all.
Jim and I had this a couple of times with my old LX as we were breaking it, but never got to the bottom of it.
Any ideas?

Featch · Post by **Featch** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:07

Son Vince had this with Jim's old sinker. Turned out to be a failing ignition switch, exactly the same issue as my XM. Temporarily cured by WD40 squirted in where key goes, but eventually requiring replacement switch. Long term it's best to wire the starter circuit through a relay to reduce the load on the flimsy connectors in the ignition switch.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:15

Either that , dodgy battery or engine earth or batteries died.

deian · Post by **deian** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:41

This kind of weather will really test a battery, if there is 'anything' wrong with it at all (even if it works great otherwise) then it will show up in this freezing tempratures we are experiencing.

Myself, i'd hunt down all the engine bay earth terminals and spray them with WD40, as well as the battery connection and starter connections, and all around the glow plug connector, and down the fuse boxes (anywhere electrical as a matter or precaution).

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:56

my thoughts are ignition switch too. will give it a spray

Post by **RichardW** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:58

I'd stick a volt meter across the battery first.... Modern ones just seem to go like that - fine one minute, cactus the next.

Post by **CitroJim** » 23 Dec 2009, 19:59

Xac, oh dear, not the best time for this to happen

Is the starter solenoid clicking or is there just no life there at all?

Headlights on, do they dim when you operate the starter?

Like Andy (Featch), I favour the ignition switch, especially given your recent heated rear window issues...

As a pro-tem fix, the V6 starter relay mod may work as it'll relieve the load on the ignition switch.

The acid test is to get a voltmeter or test lamp on the solenoid connector on the starter motor and see if there is any juice there.

Check the heavy earth strap on the gearbox.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 23 Dec 2009, 21:11

all the usual clicking takes place just no starter motor activity at all.
out at tescos in juliet at the moment. have had to sit down out the front as i'm still quite ill.
danielle's fighting her way through the crowds inside.
looks like a trolley shortage.

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 23 Dec 2009, 21:55

I don`t know why they bother having Christmas at this time of year....the shops are so busy

Since my starter probs the heavier wiring, new ring connector and elimination of one spade to hard wiring has the V6 starting in -10 no probs.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 23 Dec 2009, 23:51

Gave the ignition barrel a good spray, no difference.
The headlights don't change when trying to start.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 24 Dec 2009, 00:16

Xac use an old screwdriver (with the ignition on) to bridge the contacts on the starter motor, if that doesn't work the starter is well and truly

Xantidote · Post by **Xantidote** » 24 Dec 2009, 10:14

If DickieG's screwdriver trick gets the engine spinning, then try a jump lead from battery to the solenoid. Clicking of solenoid doesn't guarantee it's working - the contacts could have burnt/worn a bit over time. I suppose it's possible that a dodgy ignition switch could give you 12 volts to the solenoid, but not with enough current to throw the solenoid with sufficient force to make the electrical connection. Good luck - at least it's relatively accessible on the front of the engine - not too much grovelling underneath, lying in the ice & snow

Pleiades · Post by **Pleiades** » 24 Dec 2009, 10:27

My test in this sort of situation is a bit crude but simple.

As others have suggested it may well be that the ignition is supplying 12 volts but not enough amps to flick the starter into life.

Take the starting wire off from the back of the starter and get yourself a length of wire, put one end on the connector for the start wire and touch the other end on the battery, if the starter turns, then tour volt v's amps problem is correct.

There is no need to put a new switch in, all you need to do is get an old relay and use the original start wire to energise the relay (it will do this fine with the low amps) Then wire the relay through from the battery to starter motor.

This is a very simple and permenant fix, I used to do this for the BX's, they had the same ignition switch problems.

If when you tried the wire at stage one and the starter was still dead, ignore the waffle above and ask Santa for a new starter motor

Regards.
Martin.

Post by **RichardW** » 24 Dec 2009, 11:46

D'uh...I forgot the oldest trick in the book! - give the starter a good clonk with the end of hammer shaft or something - the brushes may be sticking a bit, and this can free them up.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 24 Dec 2009, 11:57

Well Jim very kindly risked his health to come over and take a look.
Connecting the starter motor directly to the battery produced nothing, so the starter is fubar.
Thankfully I have a spare from the LX, however that was also having on-off starter problems but fingers crossed not the same cause.
Otherwise it'll be down to the scrappy or a re-con.