Xantia V6 starter

Post by **xantia_v6** » 06 Mar 2006, 21:27

The starter on my V6 is becoming a little tempramental, if sometimes just goes Clunk. So far it always turns over on the second or third attempt. From the size of the clunk, I am sure that the solenoid is throwing the dvrive into mesh, but either the brushes are worn/sticking or the main contacts in the solenoid are not closing.

The car has just done 100,000 miles, with a lot of motorway driving, so I am a bit surprised if the brushes are worn.

Any hints as to whether brushes or solenoids give trouble?
Is the V6 starter interchangeable with anything else?

TIA
Mike

Post by **Peter.N.** » 06 Mar 2006, 21:49

I think really you have answered your own question. Its either the brushes, not necessarily worn but making intermittent contact because they are sticking, or the solonoid is not always going fully home and closing the contacts. You have three choices really, recon or secondhand starter, take it to your local friendly auto electrician or strip it down yourself.

zzf00l · Post by **zzf00l** » 06 Mar 2006, 21:51

I think you should check the battery terminals/earth points. (do the easy and cheap things first is my moto

)

Post by **Peter.N.** » 06 Mar 2006, 21:55

...or as zzfool says, check the electrics. If it was a poor connection problem, other than an engine earth, you will see the panel lights dim or go out when you try to engage the starter.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 06 Mar 2006, 22:18

Some Citroens have a heavy duty plug in the battery/starter lead somewhere near but underneath the battery tray. Yours may not have one but its worth following the lead and having a look.

A better way of checking the lead and connection continuity is to measure the voltage across it. What I mean is that you can test the battery to starter motor earth continuity simply by connecting the voltmeter - lead to the battery - terminal (post if you can get at it) and the positive to the starter body. Set to 12 volts for safety and operate starter and observe. If you get a reading of more than 0.25 volts you've found your problem. Ideally I'd say it should be a bit less than 0.25 volt. You can do the same for the positive terminal. and in fact may find that this method shows up a fault in the starter solenoid if you can access the lead from it to the motor. (I was surprised to find I can get at this lead on our ZX 1.9D)

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 06 Mar 2006, 23:39

This happened to the starter on my V6. I took it out, dismantled it, cleaned it up, bit of grease here and there, put it back together and it's been ok ever since