Starter problem

[smithy07]

A depressing week!

Not only did I have to work through to 10 or 11pm most nights this week, but when I got home at 11pm on Tuesday, the cover was partially removed on my '99 Griff 500 and somebody had gratuitously smashed my left front headlight (no other apparent damage). A bit of a pain as the bodywork needs to be cut out and a new cover bonded and refitted. OK, fair enough, there are plenty of jealous people around who aren't lucky enough to know what a pleasure it is to drive these cars and don't therefore respect them.

I finally make it to Saturday and look forward to taking the car for a spin to take my mind off the disastrous week, and the ignition does absolutely nothing when I turn the key. Not the battery as I had it out last week for a good run. I've just tried it again and is started first time. Does this sound like the started motor's on its way out, a dodgy connection. Any ideas?

At least I can go out for a spin now.

[VictorMeldrew]

Common problem, starter motor fried by proximity to exhaust. When you replace fit a heat shield to protect the new one.

[julianhj]

Mines in for a new unit as the solonoid is sticking. On Friday night it drained the battery as well - the alarm went a bit haywire when I'd earlier been trying to coax it into life.

It's beginning to try my patience. I'm concerned about the forthcoming months - what are the prime candidates for failure in winter?

[MrMidlife]

I'm more than a little confused about this issue! My understanding of the 'fried starter syndrome' is that the solenoid sticks and doesn't throw the pinion into engagement when the car is HOT. Whats the cause of the failure when its COLD??? Did I see poor earthing mentioned somewhere?

My '95 500 has exhibited this cold condition behaviour for some 9 months on about 50% of starts and sometimes when its hot - but it always starts! I'm not keen to go to the trouble of removing & fixing unless theres a good chance its going to fail altogether. Whats the vote???

Graham

[Ballistic Banana]

I think if it aint starting when its cold and it aint the battery then its porbably the brushes in the starter that have had it, and not the solinoid sticking.
The only other problem i think i read somewhere was something to do with the ignition,wether that was do with the earth i cant remember but could one of four places i know of.

2 bolts under the centre console
1 under the Rad through the front grill where body to chases is bolted
And the one that is bolted to the out riger behind the driverside front wheel.

Simon