Starter motor

[fb2]

Had the car - a 4.2 - for 6 weeks and have it booked in for a service at the end of next week. A (very) few times since I got it, when I'd go to start it, pressing the starter button all I'd get is a 'click', then it'd start normally. Got it out this afternoon and all was fine but now it won't start at all - just click. I assume the starter motor has gone and a search of the forum seems to suggest it's fairly common and that replacing them on the 4.5 is fairly straight forward. Can anyone tell me how easy it is on a 4.2?

Thanks

Duncan

[Ireland]

It's technically very easy but it's the access to the starter that gives all the grief.

The starter is basically located under the dash but accessed from under the bonnet.

You need to remove the panel in front of the windscreen and remove the fuel rail to get at it.

If you have a basic mechanical knowledge and basic hand tools then you'll be fine.

[SimonKD]

Replacement on a 4.5 is very easy but things seem a little more involed with a 4.2. A few details can be found here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Good Luck
Simon

[fb2]

Thanks

[Gray_101]

Welcome fb2

Just a quick word of warning.

If you have to remove the metal fuel and air inlet manifolds on the 4.2.
There s 2 metal spaces on each bank ( 4 in total) that sit on top of the rocker covers.

Be care full they dont fall into the inlet opens on the engine block as you lift the manifolds clear.

If this happens , its an engine out and strip down job.

I dont mean to scare you,,, just be carefull this doesnt happen

[Greeny]

Mine went today aswell, time to get my hands grubby I think.

[optimax sniffer]

Before you 'just' fit a new one, it's worth cleaning the dust and crap out of the current one and re grease it. Mine only worked intermittently or stayed engaged.

Did mine a couple of years ago and it's still working.

[tur8o]

i had a similar thing with mine and got it replaced under the aa warranty thing. the problem did not go away though. after replacing the ignition control module thing in the boot and a load of wiring a discussion on here came up and suggested it may b a voltage drop to the starter solonoid. i had a second feed put directly to from the battery through a new relay operated by a second button. now everytime the car decides it doesnt wont to start of the original button it does from the new one. may be worth checking this before you pay out for a new one and the hassle of changing it.

[Greeny]

Just completed mine, it was um character building!! The starter motor change was ok, ish, its just all the other issues that crop up along the way. Vodka time now