Starter motor won't kick in but solenoid does

[e635815]

Just as the title says, my car developed a new fault.
The solenoid kicks in every single time I attempt to start the car (you can hear it) but the starter won't turn . I need to try several time before the car starts.
Since the solenoid is engaged, it can't be an alarm issue (fuel pump is engaged as well every time)?
But if the motor won't turn can it only be the main current supply or earth?
Once the car runs, no electrical fault can be reported.
Or is it just a faulty starter motor?
Thanks
Philippe

[michielp]

I had the same issue, turned out to be a bad battery. Replaced it and no more issues.
Measure the voltage drop on the battery while starting shows if it will still do the job.

[e635815]

Alright, what should be a normal value for the battery then? I guess around 12V (more rather than less).
If it drops below 12V then battery to be replaced.
Is my understanding ok?
Philippe

[Penelope Stopit]

e635815 said:

Alright, what should be a normal value for the battery then? I guess around 12V (more rather than less).
If it drops below 12V then battery to be replaced.
Is my understanding ok?
Philippe

A minimum of 9.6 Volts at the battery when in the crank position
Should the battery voltage fall below 9.6 Volts it is flat, faulty or the starter has an internal short circuit and is drawing far too much current
A battery can be tested by applying 3 x its Amp/Hour capacity for 15 seconds and its voltage should hold at 9.6 volts or more. If a starter motor has an internal short circuit it could easily apply more than 3 x the batteries Amp/Hour capacity and the voltage could possibly fall to less than 9.6 volts and fool a person into thinking the battery is faulty

[Boosted LS1]

Have you put the car into gear and pushed forward slightly? The starter may not be engaging with the ring gear.

[blaze_away]

Good advice from all posts above. Its probably easiest to use clamp on connectors on your multimeter so you can observe voltages whilst attempting to crank the engine. Also to check if the drive cog is engaging the starter ring do this after the solenoid clicks but failure to turn and start. Switch ofc ignition release hand brake and put into second gear. Now step out of the car and try to rock the car back and forth. If you hear a clonking from the starter it may be that the teeth on either the starter or ring gear may be worn. Try and start again. If it does crank it suggests the teeth are worn and you freed it off.

[blitzracing]

Just search hot start issue. Just because the solenoid is clicking, it may not have enough supply power to close the starter contacts inside.

[e635815]

I think Blitz is onto something here.
I have taken the starter out of the car and connected it directly to a battery. 100% success with the starter. So it doesn't seem to be the starter on its way out.
But rather not enough amps reaching the solenoid.
I have read somewhere that the mobilizer is badly wired from factory: starter onto 10amps and fuel pump on the 15 amps module.
Therefore, I'll check how to bypass this alarm .....
Regards
Philippe

[e635815]

The immobilizer is the culprit. I have bypassed it and the car now starts first time every time.