10 replies to this topic

[pammosc]

Hi

My mini has decided not to start, I have a feeling it is the starter motor sticking as it will start with a push. Unfortunately there is not always anyone around to help. I have been told that if it is sticking then sometimes tapping it with a spanner could help. Problem is I dont know where to start looking for the starter motor or what it looks like. Can someone please help?

[bmcecosse]

Depends on age of car and type of starter. Describe the symptoms better! ie is the starter not turning at all/turning slowly etc etc. Could be flat battery/bad connections at battery/bad earth connection at battery and/or at subframe. Battery could be flat due to slack fan belt/alternator not charging - the list goes on I'm afraid!

Edited by bmcecosse, 02 July 2009 - 07:58 AM.

[pammosc]

Its a mini sidewalk on an N plate. When I turn the ignition, I get a clicking noise. This first happened about 6 weeks ago and then ran ok up until Tuesday. I went to get petrol and after filling up the car wouldnt start, a nice taxi driver gave me a push and away I went. When I got back home I switched the engine off and then tried to start it again and it started first time. I did this a couple of times. Didn't use the car yesterday but started it again last night no problem, came to use it for work this morning and it just clicked.

[bmcecosse]

Well - you need to decide if the 'click' is coming from a relay - or from the solenoid on top of the starter. If it's the relay - swap it for another one with same numbers - if it's the solenoid it will need taking apart and a good cleaning. If you get stuck - it's always possible to 'jump' the starter across the rear terminals - expect some sparks - and make sure the car is not in gear or it will run you down!

[pammosc]

I know Im going to come across as thick but what is a relay and where abouts would the solenoid be. Also is it an easy job to clean the solenoid?

[lrostoke]

Considering you know nothing (no offence) then I'd check the relay, if that fails take it a garage.

The relay will be a little square box with 4 or 5 wires coming out of it, the starter relay is normally somewhere around were the bonnet hinges, left side of car ..might be green , yellow , black

The starter motor is a large bit on the front of the engine



Slightly different engine layout, but the silver thing on the front is the alternator. to the left of that is the distributor, under the distributor will be the starter motor
Attached to the starter motor is the solenoid

[pammosc]

Thanks loads for your help, I will let you know how I get on.

[RWDwanted]

Thanks loads for your help, I will let you know how I get on.

Did you manage to get to the bottom of this and find out what was to fault, im having the same problem at the moment and am running out of ideas.

[m1tch]

Mine did that, it just clicked and that was it, found out it was corroded contacts on the starter solinoid, its down left hand side, kinda inline with the engine. I changed mine and WOOO its started lol they do get old and corrode, so its most likely to be that, only a few quid from minispares, job done

P.S. its easier if you move the wash bottle out the way

[WiredbyWilson]

Mine did that, it just clicked and that was it, found out it was corroded contacts on the starter solinoid, its down left hand side, kinda inline with the engine. I changed mine and WOOO its started lol they do get old and corrode, so its most likely to be that, only a few quid from minispares, job done

P.S. its easier if you move the wash bottle out the way

im guessing you have the inertia setup?

i have the same issue with my pre-engaged one and dont want to shell out on a new one if its bad connections - to be honest it has been fine and harldy used since i cleaned them up last time!

[pammosc]

I have checked everything on the starter motor and all connextions are fine and clean, this fault is still intermittent but I have now found out that the accelerator cable becomes live. Have checked all around it and there doesn't seem to be any lose wires touching that could cause this to happen. Anyone got any ideas please