own a 94 2.2 TD townie up til yesterday going fine. went to start it this morning for school run and will not start. just clicking noise when key is turned. no lights left on or anything obvious which might have drained the battery overnight. not even trying to start just clicking.

any ideas - would this be the starter motor or could the engine heater switch be broken - if it was too cold would it do this or make some attempt to start?

- (#15510) Dawn, 21 Feb 05 12:31

Are the dashlights dimming when you turn the key? If not, it's likely that the starter needs cleaned or reconditioned.

- (#15510) david miller, 21 Feb 05 13:27

Can Ivan get the starter off and down to me in Ards?

- (#15510) david miller, 21 Feb 05 13:28

if i can get it off i certainly will, but where is it?

- (#15510) ivan, 21 Feb 05 13:54

Ivan, it's at the left hand side of the engine. If you crawl in under the side door you'll see it- the dipstick for the auto tranny passes down beside it. You'll need to disconnect the battery, then undo the connectors (one spade terminal, one 12mm nut) and the two 14mm bolts that hold the starter in place.

But before you do that, disconnect the smaller spade terminal, and (carefully) touch the end of it that is attached to the starter onto the other terminal (under the rubber boot). There'll be a spark, but then there'll either be a click, or the starter will work.

If the starter works, don't bother removing it, it aint the problem...

give me a shout if you're stuck.

- (#15510) david miller, 21 Feb 05 14:10

thanks David i will give it a try tomorrow (during daylight) and let you know.

- (#15510) ivan, 21 Feb 05 14:21

David

Ivan went out to look at the starter. he tapped it with a hammer to see if it had stuck perhaps and he managed to get it to go again. he has taken it for a drive now but he asked me to ask you what should we do now? does it still need reconditioned/cleaned or is this a common problem?

- (#15510) Dawn, 21 Feb 05 14:47

Sounds like worn contacts or dirt in the solenoid. Either is easy enough to sort, and the likes of Andrews auto electrical or Greenaways will have the contacts if necessary.
Might be OK for a bit now, but there's no guarantee.
You'll need to do without the car for a day to get the starter done tho.

- (#15510) david miller, 21 Feb 05 14:56

h'i there
i'm new to the townie clan and had starting problems.

checked all what all are telling you even had the starter off put it back on and still only started sometimes and would let you down at the most horrible times.

cause of the problem was slightly dirty positive terminal on the battery.

hope this helps.



- (#15510) René, 22 Feb 05 16:27

thanks for help. problem seems to have been worn contacts. have been replaced by Andrews. fingers crossed all will be well.

- (#15510) Dawn, 24 Feb 05 15:39

sounds more like your bat as been atacked by the cold...im sure a new bat wud cure it ....

- (#15510) trev, 24 Feb 05 16:23