what wire to check?

[sean86]

hi all sometimes when i go to start car all i can hear is a click from the starter it could take maybe 3 or 4 turn of key before it turns i just guess it could be earth wire or a wire going to starter any ideas thanks sean also what do i need to take off to acess the starter its xsara dw8,

[Peter.N.]

Most likely a faulty starter/solonoid. You can try running a wire from the battery+ and just touching it on the small terminal of the starter, if it still only clicks, short the two large terminals on the starter together with an old screwdriver, don't use a good one as it will likely take bits out of it, if the starter then turns the solonoid is faulty, in either event you will need to replace the starter motor, sometimes hitting it will make it work.

Peter

[sean86]

ok will do thanks for relply

[Rhothgar]

short the two large terminals on the starter together with an old screwdriver

Do this only if you're not a ninny and afraid of BIG sparks?

[Timmo]

i'd certainly point at a sticky starter solonoid if is clicking, a god smack with a wooden pole often cures it, or a little rocking in gear can free it up, both my Bx and 309 suffered from clicky starters, for years that i carried a pole and hammer around with me!!! eventually replaced and fitted a relay in the starting circuit which solved it, on thwe bx also fitted a starting button, on the key it still clicks, but on the button is straight off every time,

[CitroJim]

fitted a relay in the starting circuit which solved it, on thwe bx also fitted a starting button, on the key it still clicks, but on the button is straight off every time,

This is a very common problem on the Xantia V6. Fitting a 'helper' relay is an excellent idea.

[sean86]

ok so if i hit it so it might free itself? what would be best way to access it? thanks for replies sean