Starter motor not enagaging - worn relay contact

[viperbluecerb]

Hi guys,

Thought I would share this with you. Had a problem with the car not starting start recently when a push of the start button resorted in only a click and no starter engagement. I replaced the starter around 18 months ago, so was pretty confident it wasn't the starter itself. Next stop was the relay, and sure enough, a pretty poor contact surface, pitted on both sides (only one shown), leading to a higher than nominal contact resistance, large IR drop and therefore not enough juice the energize the starter solenoid. New relay on order, will replace tomorrow and hopefully all will be well.

[TvrJohn]

Ditto, replaced my starter march, and mines been just getting a click, occasionally it turns over ok.
not been using it, but this relay you show, assume its in the right hand side of the boot ?

think i'll open it up, if I can see which one it is

[viperbluecerb]

TvrJohn said:

assume its in the right hand side of the boot ?

Indeed, right hand side of the boot position number 2 in the fusebox on mine ('99 4.5, numbers are to the top right of the relays IIRC).

[dswiscrazy]

I've been having the same problem
starts up fine when I stop say a petrol station
nothing ignition lights come on The fuel pump buzz
But the starter doesn't go. Leave it for half an hour to cool down a bit
And she'll start straight away. Definitely will be checking that relay

[otp]

I had the same problem but it turned out to be the immobiliser faulty, bypassed the starter circuit normal service resumed