AX intermittent starting problem.

Unread post by **maddave** » 13 Mar 2005, 01:11

Hello, need some more help on my girl friends 1993 AX, 1.0.
It has a real funny intermittent starting problem. You will drive it and then park up. Go back to start the car and nothing. The starter doesn't spin, no click, but the battery light on the dash dims when turning the key. I tested the battery and it had a full 12V. Then waited an hour and it started fine. This has happened a few times now, luckily whilst she has been round my house, but dont want her to be stranded somewhere.
Where should I check and where the hell is the starter motor!? I cant find it, I have looked underneath the engine and from the top but cant see the darn thing!
Any help would be appreciated!

tonespeed1999 · Unread post by **tonespeed1999** » 13 Mar 2005, 01:56

the starter motor is directly under the air filter assembly.
the first thing is to make sure the battery is 100%.
make sure there is a 12v feed at the starter solenoid when the ignition key is turned to the starting position.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 13 Mar 2005, 13:00

Not sure about AX but Citroen have a habit of putting a plug and socket in the positive battery lead to the starter. Follow the lead from the battery to the starter and look for some form of plug - if you've got one take it to bits.
Check for resistance in the main and earth leads. Earth - set meter to 20 volts and connect from battery - to engine and operate starter. Drop shouldn't be more than 1 volt or so - if more check earth. can do much the same on positive with care.
jeremy

Unread post by **maddave** » 13 Mar 2005, 14:25

Cool. I had heard of the white plug in other citreons so will have a look. I belive it is a bad earth too so will have a good gander around all the connections today.
Cheers.

mbunting · Unread post by **mbunting** » 13 Mar 2005, 15:02

I have a similar problem which occasionally happens.
The solution I have found is to wiggle the gearstick, and shake the car from side to side.
So it's basically an electrical connection ( starter is OK when this isn't happening ), but I'm going to wait for summer ( hopefully we'll get one this year ) before investigating.
Sad, I know !

CommY · Unread post by **CommY** » 13 Mar 2005, 21:25

Does the car have an immobiliser?

Pug106Dave · Unread post by **Pug106Dave** » 14 Mar 2005, 01:11

Yep I had the same thing exactley, I just cleaned up the connections to the starter motor and solenoid, colvered them in WD-40, and It's never done it since (fingers crossed!)