T350 won't start

[Nafem]

Yesterday when I started her, I turned the key in the ignition, waited for the startup sequence to finish and then turned the key to start. She started up but while turning over the dash went into the startup sequence again. I thought it was a bit odd but I am used to the odd glitch every now and then.

Tonight it started fin, without any problem but when I tried to re-start after filling up, the startup sequence completed but when I tried to start, I just heard what sounded like the starter solenoid clicking rapidly. I tried again, the same thing happened. After about 10 attempts, it fired up and off I drove.

When I got home, I thought I would try starting her up again to see what would happen. All I get is the solenoid clicking noise, and I have not been able to start her since.

Anyone know what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance.

[Whitey]

probably a faulty starter motor

[Nafem]

Do you think it would fail that quickly? Would it not give more signs of failing before giving up completely?

[RT]

hit the solenoid with a wooden hammer

[grumbledoak]

Clicky noise (and f-all else) on starting is often a flat battery. How old is she, and how often do you drive her?

Edit- if you can get the ignition on, before trying to start her, what is the voltage reading?

Edited by grumbledoak on Thursday 24th January 21:57

[Nafem]

I've heard about hitting the starter motor before. Does it actually work?

She is a 2004 car. Surely the starter motor should last longer than that!

I am fairly sure it is not a flat battery because when it starting clicking the first time, the starter motor turned over fine when it did eventually start.

Edited by Nafem on Thursday 24th January 22:04

[GR1FF1F]

Worth checking the battery even so. At this time of year, with lights on, heater going, short journeys can tend to drain the battery and takes longer driving to recharge after a start. The noise is certainly consistent with the signals getting through but just not enough juice to crank the motor.

Good Luck

[Nafem]

Thanks everyone, maybe the RAC will be coming over tomorrow.

[tail slide]

From those symptoms, IMO could well be erratic connection of the infamous 100amp fuse (under the airbox, requiring airbox removal unfortunately) that many of us have had even at low mileage.

Have been several threads on identifying & sorting this if you search this forum.

[Nafem]

I tried to start it again today and it worked first time! Could this still be an issue with the connections/100 amp fuse? It must be a dodgey connection somewhere?

[LJM]

AFAIK the 100a fuse sits between the alternator and starter, Hence if blown of faulty the battery won't charge. You will still have a 12v supply to the starter from the battery.

HTH,

Lloyd