Why won't it work!

[blue 4.5]

Car started fine. Stopped picked up son, got back in the car, pressed the starter button and it made a very strange loud clicking/clacking noise and started. Now at home and the bloody thing won't start again, any ideas?

[kojak]

Check the big fuse. If it is the fuse (hopefully), it'll cost you 60p to repair/change.

[blue 4.5]

I only changed that about a month ago but will double check. The noise is pretty loud and vibrates through the centre of the car.

[gazzab]

sounds like your starter motor is stuffed?

[blue 4.5]

Any more ideas. Probably is the starter motor, but just wondered if it could be the bug fuse before i get it towed.

[Extra 300 Driver]

blue 4.5 said:

Any more ideas. Probably is the starter motor, but just wondered if it could be the bug fuse before i get it towed.

Have you checked the fuse?

[guydw]

Sounds like the starter motor not re-starting when it's warm - mine did that.

Check it when it's cooled down (at least half an hour)

[blue 4.5]

I tried that so I guess I just have a knackered motor....and they can't fit it in until thursday so no weekend driving...

[rjben]

Mine did exactly the same when battery was lox / big fuse had gone.....check that fuse!

[gbbird]

Had this problem internittently with mine a while back. Did indeed turn out to be a knackered starter motor

[blue 4.5]

I'm thinking it probably is the starter motor, as when my big fuse was going last time at least I had some warning, with this it just stopped working with no warning at all. From working perfectly to nothing in 10 minutes....don't you love them!

[jesfirth]

mine did that last summer-starter motor failure but check the fuse 1st its alot cheaper

[methodwares]

had something like this happen on a different car, but it was the starter had worked loose and wasn't engaging properly. if that has happened, it may be possible that the wire to the selenoid cable has come loose as well, the wire on mine disconnected on its own one day.

[S-X-S]

take off the rear service panel on the engine bay, and remove the rear two air pipes. Get your hands in behind there, and check if the solenoid is in place, and no loose connections, also shine a torch in and remove the rubber cover from the solenoid and see if you can spot any burning etc., also check if the case of the starter motor is still in place (they can work their way loose).... sounds very much like the starter motor like most have said, but you normally know when its a starter motor mechanical failure (you get a screeching sort of sound the last time it works), unless its a solenoid failure or electrically related in some form. Also sometimes the magnets come loose inside or the bushes give in. Either way, its send off to the CW boys and get a re-conditioned one for 150 odd quid I believe and an hours labour.

[Tatlow]

I'm on my 5th starter motor in 3.5 years and am very accustomed to the loud grating noise it makes when it is starting to go.

TRY rocking the car while it is in first gear - this often frees up the starter motor and could give you a bit more time for driving. If not, get someone to tap the starter motor with a metal pole (or similar implement) while you try and turn it over.

Best of luck!