Advice needed

[oldvic]

Hi all need help with my 1998 vauxhall combo van.
The problem is this had a new starter motor in november and it still played up.
I have now changed it to day and no joy it starts when it wants but most of the time it just clicks.And not engaging.Could it be the ignition switch.If so would it need to be a chipped key or just any key as long as i keep the old key on the keyring as that has a chip in it.
i hope this is in the right catogory.
and thanks for helping
oldvic

 

[brightspark]

Hi all need help with my 1998 vauxhall combo van.
The problem is this had a new starter motor in november and it still played up.
I have now changed it to day and no joy it starts when it wants but most of the time it just clicks.And not engaging.Could it be the ignition switch.If so would it need to be a chipped key or just any key as long as i keep the old key on the keyring as that has a chip in it.
i hope this is in the right catogory.
and thanks for helping
oldvic

have u had the battery checked and make sure the earth lead to engine has a good conection . the battery might work but a few cells might be down on power check the voltage at the starter when cranking over should be 12 volt no less

 

[oldvic]

Thanks brightspark.
Im sure the earths ok.
will looking at the battery next.it 4 years old is that old for a battery?

 

[brightspark]

Thanks brightspark.
Im sure the earths ok.
will looking at the battery next.it 4 years old is that old for a battery?

yep they dont last much longer than. that most tyre and battery garages check them free for u theres probably only enough power to click the solenoid over but not run the starter hopefully

 

[oldvic]

Thanks that's really helped will check it tomorrow

 

[piman]

Hello Brightspark,

"should be 12 volt no less ",

I think that's a bit optimistic given the current draw of a starter. Certainly the connections at the battery and main earths are the first check.
I'm not familiar with modern vehicles but don't some also have a relay between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. A simple check is to run a temporary cable from the solenoid terminal (Not the main starter motor terminal) and touch that to the battery positive, if that's OK then the problems in the start circuit.
The most common is battery or it's connections however. 4 years isn't old for a battery in my mind unless it's a 'cheapo'. Try a jump start if that does it then look to the battery and it's charging circuit. Fan belt tight?

Alec

 

[shenion]

Best way is to check with a meter.

First check on bat battery posts themselves. Should get at least 10V when trying to start. The better the batt the higher it will be.

You then try each connection, battery to solenoid, solenoid to starter and batt neg to engine. All while starting.

If it has a starter solenoid, easiest is to see if it it is clicking. If not then it is key switch wiring or maybe a relay. If it does, you can try an old screwdriver accross the two solenoid terminals if they are both on top (it will take a divot out of the screwdriver, so use a crappy one.) If opposed terminals, it takes a heavy wire. you can use a jump cable from batt to opposite post.

Batteries are odd. Wasted money on expensive ones that lasted a year. Odd the cheap one in my Mustang is over 10 years old. Same for my Jeep. The mustang V8 had a habit of eating bats due to the huge start current.

 

[oldvic]

Thanks everyone i put a new battery on it and it started ok.JOB DONE