Saxo starting problem

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cjbcjb
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Saxo starting problem

Post by cjbcjb »

Saxo 1.4. New battery 6 weeks ago, cleaned all connections. One week ago starter goes click only, cutting a long story short I replaced the starter motor. OK, for one week, now the new motor goes click!
Solenoid seems healthy, battery volts stay up when attempting to start, Charge voltage OK. Motor / engine does not turn, bump starts easily, Any ideas?
Chris
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Post by JohnD »

Hi Chris - If you've replaced the battery and replaced the starter motor and the fault is still there, there must be something wrong with the wiring. Disconnect the spade terminal on the solenoid and connect a test bulb or voltmeter between the end of the wire and a good earth. Turn the ignition key to the start position and see if the wire is live. If not, the fault is in the wiring or ignition switch.
cjbcjb
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Post by cjbcjb »

Thanks, I will try again tomorrow, but, the solenoid is going in with a good clunk. Im begining to think I could have duff battery breaking down under load, although it is a very good one.
All ideas welcome
Chris
Dave Burns
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Post by Dave Burns »

Where is the solenoid, on the starter (pre-engaged starter) or remote (inertia starter).
Check all battery leads especialy the earth cable on the engine/gearbox.
Dave
IanR
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Post by IanR »

Are you sure the battery is being charged by the alternator?
Check with a voltmeter at the battery terminals. Standing, it should give about 12.6 volts. With the engine running at idle this should rise to 13.8 or more (14.4 max) within a few minutes of starting.
If you don't have a voltmeter, you can usually tell if the alternator is charging by watching for the small drop in (warm, idling) engine revs as you turn on headlights or any other heavy electrical load - And by the small brightening in the lights as you increase the revs above idling with a heavy electrical load on. (watching the interior light may be easier than watching the headlights)
cjbcjb
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Post by cjbcjb »

Success (I think) A final postscript which may be of interest. I gave in and took it to an electrical specialist. They found that the battery +ve to the solenoid which dissapears behind the engine, and is covered in a protective sleave, was resistive, it was replaced by a cable about 3x the original one's cross section. Seems OK now.
I had already check this cable by feeling for hot spots, but it is difficult to get at towards the starter with out taking off the air filter housing.
Chris
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