Car wont turn over

[Adsy]

Hey everyone, first post here so go easy on me! :)

My car is an 1.6 02 plate VTR.

I'm not that great mechanically with cars so please excuse me if I don't explain something too well and also if you suggest a fix, can you please explain in as much detail as possible as I literally would need step by step details.

Basically my car has had this problem a few times where the car randomly decides to not start up, it hasn't happened in a few months now but randomly decided not to work this morning. Worst thing is that it passed its MOT on Friday! :wacko:

I know it's not a battery problem as it's fairly new. When I turn the key I hear a tick and all the dash board starts and electric windows work, petrol gauge fills up etc, but the car doesn't attempt to start up. there's no other noises, it doesn't "chug" like the battery is dying, just nothing.

When it happened to me in the past I had to jump start the car and it worked and then continued to turn over fine for many months after and I forgot about the problem.

I've looked on this forum and there have been similar problems as mine and some people have put it down to earthing but I don't know how to check anything like that.

If anyone has any suggestions I can try when I get home from work that would be great!

[Milney8989]

Sounds like starting motor has gone. Easy to replace

[Adsy]

Sounds like starting motor has gone. Easy to replace

Would this be the case even if sometimes it does work?

[VeiRoN]

Can you hear the fuel pump from the back seats for a few seconds when you turn the key on the second position? If so it could be:

▪ Starter motor / starter motor solenoid & wiring
▪ Coil, HT leads, coil pack
▪ Crankshaft sensor (aka TDC sensor, engine speed sensor)

[Adsy]

Can you hear the fuel pump from the back seats for a few seconds when you turn the key on the second position? If so it could be:

▪ Starter motor / starter motor solenoid & wiring
▪ Coil, HT leads, coil pack
▪ Crankshaft sensor (aka TDC sensor, engine speed sensor)

I'm not sure, I don't think I could. If I jump start the car I can get it working and then it will turn over fine for a x amount of months

[stevo67]

Starter motors can sometimes stick,however it's worthwhile checking the earth cable on the battery for secureness & the voltage reading on the battery.

[Adsy]

Starter motors can sometimes stick,however it's worthwhile checking the earth cable on the battery for secureness & the voltage reading on the battery.

I'm popping home at lunch time so I will have a quick look. Hoping it is something just as simple as the earth cable.

[Ross]

It's almost certainly a starter motor. They can frequently stick like this and it depends on loads of factors as to whether it starts next time after a run - it could be that it always starts whilst the engine is warm but when left overnight it gets time to seize. Lots of variables unfortunately but as I say, change that starter 45 minute job with a cup of tea and biscuits and you'll be laughing :)

[Adsy]

It's almost certainly a starter motor. They can frequently stick like this and it depends on loads of factors as to whether it starts next time after a run - it could be that it always starts whilst the engine is warm but when left overnight it gets time to seize. Lots of variables unfortunately but as I say, change that starter 45 minute job with a cup of tea and biscuits and you'll be laughing :)

Hmm you could be right. I will have a tinker about under the hood later and see what's going on; if I can't find the fault I'll purchase a new starter motor and have ago myself :) I'm not great with cars as I've never really had to do much myself in the past but I do like to get hands on with things so it would be good to try this myself.

How much would one of the starters cost? £30-£50?

[Ross]

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MOTOR-CITROEN-SAXO-1-6-VTL-VTR-1996-2003-LRS00592-/111278365700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ASaxo&hash=item19e8b51c04

Doing simple mechanical stuff like the starter motor will give you a lot of confidence moving forward - and you'll find the more you do the easier stuff becomes. These cars are so simple they're great to learn on :)

[robbie18753]

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MOTOR-CITROEN-SAXO-1-6-VTL-VTR-1996-2003-LRS00592-/111278365700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ASaxo&hash=item19e8b51c04

These cars are so simple they're great to learn on :)

yeah im finding that too. and this is my first saxo

[Adsy]

£35 will cover it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MOTOR-CITROEN-SAXO-1-6-VTL-VTR-1996-2003-LRS00592-/111278365700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ASaxo&hash=item19e8b51c04

Doing simple mechanical stuff like the starter motor will give you a lot of confidence moving forward - and you'll find the more you do the easier stuff becomes. These cars are so simple they're great to learn on :)

Brilliant! :) funny thing is I've just popped home at lunch and tried my car and it started first time with no problem. I'm starting to think that this is definitely the starter motor sticking from the cold.

Are there any quick fixes for this in case I face this problem before buying the new starer? I heard someone say that you can give it a light tap with a hammer to free it; would anyone recommend this tip?

[Ross]

Are there any quick fixes for this in case I face this problem before buying the new starer? I heard someone say that you can give it a light tap with a hammer to free it; would anyone recommend this tip?

Yep - just tap it with a hammer a few times - on the metal casing, not the connectors etc obviously! Don't go full retard on it - just a gentle tickle.

[Adsy]

Yep - just tap it with a hammer a few times - on the metal casing, not the connectors etc obviously! Don't go full retard on it - just a gentle tickle.

haha yea, I'm not going to get Thor on the thing :')