New S3 so a beginners question - Starter Motor problem?

[Craigfa]

I have been using my new S3 today and having great fun. Lots of stopping and starting of the engine with no problems. When I got home I left it on the drive for 5 mins, then tried to start it to put it into the garage. It turned over, but did not fire, but the starter motor kept on wizzing - even when I took the key out! It kept going for about 30 seconds. After that I started it no problem, but it struggled to get into reverse!? - Any ideas, or am I panicing without reason?

[Barkychoc]

When you say the starter motor was whizzing was it turning the engine or was it just making a whizzing noise like the motor was turning on its own? Hope this makes sense!

It could be a sticking starter motor and you may find the problem disappears with a bit of use.

Tricky reverse gear is a feature of TVR ownership! Try engaging one of the forward gears first.

Chris

Edited by Barkychoc on Saturday 26th January 20:02

[petclub]

Hi Craig, Chris is right about the reverse gear, I'm on my 7th now and thet've all had the odd difficulty with it. They get better as you get used to them though.

If you're new to the S fold, keep an eye out for the annual meeting (S Club Heaven) at Newark, Notts in June.

Good luck, Dave

Barkychoc, I posted a spotted for you

And, I saw a fab green Tuscan a mile from your house!

[clarenceboddiger]

Craigfa said:

the starter motor kept on wizzing - even when I took the key out!

That definately sounds like its sticking, If it hasnt been used much it should free off but if that keeps happening I would definately try and find the problem, I say that because if I remember correctly , starter motors are series wound and these should not be run without load as they can overspeed.

[Barkychoc]

Craig what S3 did you buy? Was it one advertised on Pistonheads?

Chris

[Craigfa]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I bought H 894 JPG (metallic Green) - and yes it was advertised on Pistonheads - does anyone know this car?

The "whizzing" noise I mentioned was the noise you get when you have started an engine but keep the key turned as if to start - hope that makes sense?

[tvrgit]

clarenceboddiger said:

Craigfa said:

the starter motor kept on wizzing - even when I took the key out!

That definately sounds like its sticking, If it hasnt been used much it should free off but if that keeps happening I would definately try and find the problem, I say that because if I remember correctly , starter motors are series wound and these should not be run without load as they can overspeed.

AGreed. The fact that it keeps going after you turn it off suggests that the contacts in the solenoid (the little cylinder piggy-backed onto the motor itself) are sticking together - as CB says, possibly because they are slightly overheating when the starter spins without load.

[hvdweerden]

My starter motor did not work sometime ago. I took it out and a colleague opened/revised it. he said all was fine except a thick grease on the solenoid axle preventing it so slide back/forth (this is maybe the cause for your noise as well). he cleaned it and put "thinner" grease on it. its ok now !

br, Han