Hot weather starting problem

[foot2firewall]

I've just spent a week in Brittany in the S3, weather was fantastic. I encounters an unusual problem in the heat with starting the car. When it was really hot the car often would not start, the starter motor would just click once, very similar to when you have a weak/flat battery. The solution was to rock it in gear and then it would start. Has anyone else had a similar problem or can anyone point at a cure?

[seb400]

Hi foot2firewall

sounds like the starter motor is on its way out. I had the same (intermittent) issue with my old Wedge. Until I managed to get a replacement I carried a broom handle in the boot which was handy to reach and tap the starter with to get it going. I'm sure my issue wasn't temp related, but bet heat would compound the problem.

Steve

[AutoAndy]

Mine was starter motor which needed refurbishment, but also check the batter earth to the chassis - It can also cause this.

[foot2firewall]

Thanks for the feedback, had a look around at starter motors, there seems to be quite a selection and certainly quite a wide price range - am I right in thinking for an S3 I need a standard starter motor for a Ford Granada 2.9 or 2.8, or is there a specific variant I need to look for?