Help - car wont start

[shifty_uk]

Have you checked the connections on the starter solenoid? (both the high current ones and the smaller trigger wire).

The solenoid is right under the engine and pretty hard to see any connections from it so I'm not sure. I had a good feel around the back to make sure every wire was in place but I'm not sure what does which.

This is where my main focus was:
http://www.askthemechanic.co.uk/images/Renault starter motor.jpg
Which seems absolutely fine and securely in place.

Use a screwdriver to short between the positive supply and the solenoid trigger, see if spins over.

Not really sure what you mean by this, sorry!

 

[Threepwood]

Not really sure what you mean by this, sorry!

It's like using something metal to connect CMOS jumpers on a motherboard Explained here


He doesn't mean this, but it is a great way to tell if it is the solenoid or the starter motor at fault.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7403064_short-starter-solenoid.html

EDIT:
If it is the solenoid they are pretty cheap, esp from a scrap yard. Scrap yard is also your best bet for a cheap starter motor if it turns out to be that and not the solenoid.

If it is the starter and not the solenoid, keep hold of the solenoid for later, as you never know.

 

[MatteH Oxford]

Have you checked the engine earth strap?. If you put a jump lead from the battery negative to a clean bolt (away from fuel lines etc ) on the engine it Will bypass it. if the car turns over you know what the problem is.

 

[Mickie]

The solenoid is right under the engine and pretty hard to see any connections from it so I'm not sure. I had a good feel around the back to make sure every wire was in place but I'm not sure what does which.

This is where my main focus was:
http://www.askthemechanic.co.uk/images/Renault starter motor.jpg
Which seems absolutely fine and securely in place.



Not really sure what you mean by this, sorry!

the positive from the battery goes straight to the starter, to engage that 10mm cable or whatever size it is, normally quite big, the solenoid needs to move over when you turn the ignition switch. smaller wire to solenoid..

you can totally bypass everything with jump leads and a small amount of cable..

earth straight off battery to starter body, positive from battery to starter, where that bigger cable is, then another positive from the battery to the solenoid, smaller cable on starter.. make sure its out of gear and dont be too scared of sparks, leave ignition on, if the car turns over and starts you'll know its not the starter at fault..

if, when you turn the ignition switch, you hear a click, the solenoid is ok, if not, its the solenoid..

if you hear it click but still nothing, if you think the battery and cabling is ok, the bushes in the starter are probably worn out.. ive fixed this same problem on mine for 3 quid, got the stuff off ebay, very easy to service a starter motor..

 

[GeX]

Do you get a click from the left hand side of the dash when trying to start? My 52 plate 1.2 16v Clio did this - starter was dud. Fired up right away when it was swapped.

 

[shifty_uk]

No click from the dashboard. It did indicate an electrical fault when I first tried it, though.

AA chap is having a look at it just now, thinks it's probably the 'F strap'. No idea what that is! Basically the larger wiring loom coming from the battery, says there's sparks coming off it when I try the ignition. Although is still slightly worried about the age of the original battery.

Edit: Earth strap, not F strap. He had a Fife accent, picked him up wrong

That's it fixed. Was indeed the 'earth strap'. Not the large wiring loom I assumed. I have the old one which is completely corroded. He's made a temporary one out of a longer strap from a different car. I'll get it into the garage at least safe in knowledge I know exactly what the issue was!

Fantastic. Would've been hunting around forever, even replacing the starter motor without a clue. It's these little things the Haynes doesn't tell you

As always, cheers for all your help/input chaps!