Picasso starting issues

[imperial21]

I bought my step daughter a 2004 Picasso HDI a few months back, as its got colder it has become a nightmare to start! Today it would nt start at all . Basic problem is turns over really slowly in the morning at best a few attempts it will start, the colder it gets the worse it is.
I have replaced the battery for new, when I found the battery I see it was almost brand new !
I have read online about the cable join under the bonnet I cleaned the connections with sandpaper as it was all I had they looked better but not an improvement, I wonder now if the starter motor is past its best ? Strange thing is once started its spot on starting first time all day.
I have had HDI 406 & xantia with no problems .

[ekjdm14]

I suppose it's possible the starter has dried up inside and the crusty lube in it's bearings just creates too much friction for it to overcome. Before condemning it though, first thing I'd do is check all the heavy gauge wires, positive and earth especially where they joing the battery terminal clamps, and see if they get warm/hot while cranking. Not unknown for PSA battery terminals to go high-resistance and this would be a giveaway.

Also if you're handy with a multimeter you can do a volt drop test on the main starter wire, one lead on the positive battery terminal & the other on the large starter terminal there should be a small reading when cranking the engine but if it's over a couple of volts that too would suggest the starter wiring.

EDIT-: here's a thread about battery terminals/leads on Xantiae (if that's the correct plural for Xantia!) both XU and HDi. https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... =3&t=38273 Also seen on other PSA cars so wouldn't shock me if this was the start of Picassos pulling this trick too.

[ekjdm14]

Further to the above, from reading back through that thread I saw this post by "turbom"

Just been reading through this very informertive.
I have read else where that the same happens on the picasso so i will look at mine....

[Lighty]

Slow & lazy starter motor is the most common issue on these engines, I have a Berlingo,to do tomorrow with the same issue, last 2 days of frost have killed it 1st thing