C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

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Bob_V
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C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Bob_V »

I have a starting problem with my C5 2007 2.0 HDI facelift hatchback which occurred today for the first time. I have tried searching the forum for help but have as yet not been successful.

The problem is this. When I turn the ignition switch to start the car all I get is a click from somewhere under the bonnet but the starter motor does not spin. This does not happen every time I try to start the car and most times after several attempts the starter spins and the car starts. The battery is new. When the car does start the starter spins as normal with no hesitation and the engine starts immediately. The headlights don't dim either so I am certain the battery is good.

Several weeks ago the car also did not start but on that occasion there was no click from a solenoid or relay as there is now. On investigation it was found that fuse 8 in the fuse-box under the bonnet had blown. this was a 20 amp fuse. I didn't have a 20 amp so replaced it with a 25 amp as a temporary measure. Maybe this was a clue that something was not right in the starter circuit.

I do not know if starter motors have brushes these days, or if there is a solenoid or relay in the circuit. Perhaps the fault lies there somewhere. If I could get access to a wiring diagram of the starter circuit that might help.

I am sure that this is not a unique problem and someone on the forum must know if this is a common fault and have some suggestions how to fix it.

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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

I would suggest checking the starter motor (and connecting leads). If the main positive lead is loose you might not get power to the motor. If that does not work consider replacing the starter motor. When the motor on my Mk1 C5 was failing I got a reconditioned starter motor from GSF for around £120 (but when I returned the old motor in the packaging provided I got about £55 back).

I believe that most (if not all) starter motors have a solenoid, as the load would quickly destroy a normal switch circuit.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Bob_V »

I should be in a position to have a look at this problem in the next few days. The car has not been used since the problem started as I cant risk getting stuck away from home.
One thing I don't have is a wiring diagram of the starter circuit. I need to know if there is a relay in the starter circuit in the fuse box under the bonnet or whether the starter solenoid is connected directly to the ignition switch. I already know that fuse 8 is in the circuit but am wondering if there is anything else. Perhaps someone could help.

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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Just change the starter, if it’s the original it will of been in use for 11 years odd. If it’s seizing and becoming intermittent it will blow the fuse if it’s not starting.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Bob_V »

Thanks Marc. Seeing as the fuse has blown once already, which was obviously the first sign of things to come, I will take your advice and go for it.
I will keep you posted.

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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by myglaren »

Don't get a cheap one from ECP. As James Hellrazer will testify, they are ****.
I had to have one a year and a half ago, definitely not from ECP and going well.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Bob_V »

That's Eurocraparts of the suppliers list then. [-X
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Oh, absolutely not ECP!

For info Bob, your C5 had a Valeo starter as original equipment with a technical reference code of D8R28 which is a Valeo part 458289.

The Citroen part is 1638126880 or 5802AW

Citroen did provide ‘bits’ for the repair of the Bosch ones, but only for a specific starter and even one of those the parts are no longer available, so it would probably be easier to get the whole thing replaced to be honest. At least you have some references to search on.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by myglaren »

Bob_V wrote: 03 Jan 2019, 23:01 That's Eurocraparts of the suppliers list then. [-X


Not for everything but starters, alternators and stuff you don't want to be changing often they are worth avoiding for.

I've bought smaller bits from them that have been fine - headlight bulbs and a radiator fan the more recent ones, fan had to be bodged a bit to fit but probably works as I haven't boiled it yet.

I think the place I used would source them from Andrew Page.
He won't fit cheap crap unless told to as it will only come back and bite him.
Had a starter and battery a couple of years ago and all is fine with them.

Had an alternator recently, I found one for >£200 but he got a better one cheaper and passed the discount on to me.
He will never be a millionaire but will never be short of work either.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by sparksie »

Ok, replacing the starter is a bit extreme.
You can get your own fully rebuilt, with all consumable parts replaced with new, for half the price of a new one.
The exception being if the armature, or field winding, has a short/open circuit, which does really write them off.
Any auto-sparks worth his salt will check those out carefully before fitting any new bits.
I agree with Marc, however, if you can hear a clonk from inside the car, it won't be a small relay anywhere. It's the starter and/or the solenoid attached to it.
An important point, which cannot be over stressed, is to disconnect the battery before trying to remove the starter.
The consequences of failing to do so can be too horrific to contemplate
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by wheeler »

myglaren wrote: 03 Jan 2019, 23:13
I think the place I used would source them from Andrew Page.

Just be aware that Andrew Paige are owned by ECP.
Ive never been in an Andrew Paige branch as there isnt one anywhere near me so i dont know if ECP have started to sneak in their junk parts?
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by Bob_V »

Car is booked in tomorrow for my local "Whizz Kid" mechanic to look at it. I have complete trust in the honesty and skills of this guy. He looks after several C5s locally and has good contacts. I will discuss all the suggestions and reservations you have all made and see where we end up. Thanks for all your help.

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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by myglaren »

wheeler wrote: 06 Jan 2019, 12:12
myglaren wrote: 03 Jan 2019, 23:13
I think the place I used would source them from Andrew Page.

Just be aware that Andrew Paige are owned by ECP.
Ive never been in an Andrew Paige branch as there isnt one anywhere near me so i dont know if ECP have started to sneak in their junk parts?


That's interesting and rather disturbing.
Hopefully they are run as separate entities.

Andrew page do always send the wrong fuel filter for my C5 - and the previous one.
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Nothing in common about the 2 companies there then Steve :rofl2:
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Re: C5 2007 Facelift 2.0HDI Hatchback Starter Motor not turning

Post by myglaren »

Never bought anything directly from Andrew Page but that was the only thing they failed on, consistently.
Eventually I kept the label from the correct one and entered the part number into a spreadsheet and emailed that to the car parts place - sadly closed now.
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