Starting problem.

Enfield

Enfield

Enfield

Soldato
Joined
8 Nov 2003
Posts
7,409
Location
UK
Good afternoon.

I'm have a little trouble with my Peugeot 205 Diesel, sometimes it won't start. Actually the past few days it hasn't been working as it should and I think it just may be getting worse...

I think it started off (may be irrelivent) when I accidently spilled a bit of engine oil onto the starter when I was topping up. I wiped it off quickly but maybe some when into the motor I don't know.

Anyway, the first time I started it up after that (this was some time ago) it made a nasty crunching noise as I started it up.

It also took a bit longer than normal to fire up so I cleaned up the connections with some contact cleaner (spray can) and the problem was solved but it has now (few weeks later) turned into a slightly different problem...

Now when I turn the key absolutely nothing happens. I can keep the key turned for ages and it won't make a sound. I have to turn it about 3 or 4 times and hold it for a good few seconds and then it will fire.

This might be irrelevent too but it helps if you know everything to be able to help me out. The alternator I think may be on the way out. After starting the car up the battery light stays on till I press the throttle and the headlights dim when I use the electric windows.

Any help would be tremendous.

Cheers
 
Sounds like the starter solenoid is giving up. That's the bit that switches from the ignition key over to the big meaty wires to the starter motor. Sometimes they click the motor on and off and on quickly which can make a right clattery sound. It's a £10-£15 part but do get a new one for peace of mind. It might be part of the starter motor or a separate box, or in my case it's a huuuuuuuuuge switch on the end of a pull toggle :D
 
Do you know where I can get this part from because I've looked on GSF parts, euro car parts, pug spares and neat autos and can't find this solenoid!

When you say solenoid do you actually mean the starter motor itself?
 
If your starter has a built-in solenoid (like most cars do nowadays) it'll look like this:

starter_solenoid.jpg


If it's an old Ford or Chrysler style (pre-1970) the starteer will be missing the second, smaller cylinder and the solenoid will be external, probably mounted to a fender liner or the firewall and will look like this :

solenoid.jpg
 
Forgot the picture but i'm pretty sure now that the solonoid is on the end of the starter motor.

The bloody thing gave up on me today. I just popped down to Halfords to get some brake fluid, got back into the car and it wouldn't start so I rang my dad and waited for him to turn up.

We bumped started it a few times and it sounded like it was just catching, then some bloke helped me push and we got it going.

Got it home and I removed the earth wires from the wing and scraped off some of the paint/gunk that shouldn't be on an earthing point! Sprayed the gearbox earth strap with contact cleaner aswell as the two earthing points either side of the radiator and any other connections I could find. Also gave the solonoid a good dose of the cleaner and now it starts up fine. :confused:

Bloody French electrics! Put me right of Peugeot to be honest. Shame I can't afford a decent car....yet.
 
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