Help - Starting problems!

[TMan]

Having a few problems starting my Tuscan. Suspect it might be the battery - any comments are welcome.

In short, when I'm starting the car I get a grinding, whirring sound from the starter motor and the engine doesn't start. If I turn the key to get the battery started first, wait for 20 seconds so that humming starts (is that a fuel pump or something?) then turn the starter motor, the engine starts fine.

This has only started in the last few weeks - before then it ran absolutely fine. Has anyone had similar experiences and fixed them?

By the way - my secretary just told me how she was nicked yesterday in Leeds for doing 42 in a 40! £60 and 3 points. I told her to appeal - anyone know her chances on this?

>>> Edited by TMan on Thursday 5th August 16:41

[lady topaz]

Are you checking the red flashing light, and pushing the button on the key fob till it goes out. This is my normal starting procedure. Could explain it if you are trying to start prior to the pump charging.

[powerlord]

charge the battery. it sounds like when you switch on the pumps are going, lights, etc and battery doesn't have enough oomph to drive out the starter motor via the helical spline bit (hence the grinding with the flywheel)

once the load settles down, (after your 20 seconds) it's fine.

charge the battery up and you'll be A OK.

stu

[theblacktuscks]

Had a similar sound after having a new clutch fitted. Noticed it as soon as I picked my car up from the dealer who said that "It will settle down sir!" Turned out that there were some teeth missing on the starter ring that made an increasing row. In the end the front end of the starter motor sheared off and the starter motor and the ring had to be replaced. Get yours checked out!

[TMan]

Thanks all - I guess I'm off to charge my battery and hope it's nothing to do with any missing teeth!