Failing to start

[fredf]

I'm fairly sure this has been covered before, but the search is down and I can't find anything relevant.

On trying to start the car this evening I just got a clunk noise from the engine bay.
The immobiliser had disarmed, the petrol pump had started, the engine was cold so not the hot-start problem. It did eventually start after about 10 attempts.

Any ideas before I get stranded at work one evening?

[Earl Grey]

Starter motor! Starter solenoid!

This could be sorted by carrying a hammer or long metal bar in the car to hit the starter motor to free the solenoid. Just like a friend does in his PUG 205 !
Or replace the starter!

[bigdods]

From my experience , that clonk is the solenoid on the starter trying to engage but not quite making it. Most likely its gunged up or knackered and you need to either take it off and clean/service it (if you are handy with the spanners) or buy a new one (about £100 from the usual places) and have it fitted (only a few mins labour any garage can do it).

Or it could be a tired battery. If the solenoid on the starter is a bit tired and the battery is on the way out it may not throw the solenoid enough to engage it. I've had this too. Ended up replacing the battery and installing the hot start kit, then doing the starter pretty soon after anyway.

If the immobiliser wasnt working you wouldnt get the clonk (actually it should be like a very loud click) of the solenoind trying to engage.

Obviously turning the key on and off a few times means the solenoid is going in and out and usually after a few tries frees itself up, engages and off you go. It WILL get worse so fix it soon.

Edited by bigdods on Monday 27th October 20:40

[fredf]

Thankyou both. Hammer now in the boot. I'll get it fixed at the next service in 3 weeks