2.1 starter problem?

rongee68 · Post by **rongee68** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:38

need you guys help again. 2.1 r reg xantia, turn key and all i get is a click. sometimes on third or fourth turn it starts. have cleaned battery terminals, starter was tested 18 months ago and checked out ok, and when refitted all wires ect well cleaned. [ had another starting prob 18 months ago thats why starter tested this prob only just started] sometimes it starts ok but is playing up more frequently now. as i leave for work at 4am i really need to get this sorted. while im here also have speedo fault, sticks at 50, some times fluctuates. would it be the transducer, head or that white nylon cog that is in the driveshaft housing?
thanks in advance for your help
ron

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:47

Is the click like a relay switching, or like the starter motor trying to turn but being unable to?

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:49

The speed sensor tends to work or not...

Id be inclined to think the speedo head is at fault here. I had a customer car do this, thinking the useual speed sensor was at fault, changed it, but no effect, and found the speedo head at fault.

As for starter, I cant help you with that, as Id accused the starter itself, but you've already ruled that out...

Paul

rongee68 · Post by **rongee68** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:52

the click sounds like like what you hear if the starter is stuck. have tried rocking it in gear but that makes no difference

Post by **Peter.N.** » 19 Jan 2010, 22:50

If you are brave you can check the starter by shorting the two big terminals together with a large screwdriver, dont use your best one as you are likely to loose some metal from it - if the starter works that is, assuming that the main feed cable is connected well both ends, no sparks = u/s starter. Make sure the car is out of gear first

Peter

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 19 Jan 2010, 23:05

The starter solenoid could be dodgy, shorting the 2 terminals like Peter says will bypass the solenoid so when it's clicking try this....if nothing happens when you short the terminals then it could just be that the shaft what the starter gear runs on is dry & needs a bit of lubrication, remove the starter motor & lube it up.

Cheers.