Not Starting. Just A Humm.

[iPlod999 143 1 Cars]

I have a strange intermittent starting problem. Only happened twice in the last few days but want to nip it on the bud before I get stick somewhere.

 

When it turn the ignition. Everything lights up on the dash as normal, stereo comes on as normal.

 

When I turn the ignition to start. The engine does not spin there is just a humming/buzzing/electrical noise which sounds as if it is coming from the dash board.

 

It has previously done this and after a few attempts the engine will fire up as normal and away I go.

 

As mentioned above I could have advise as to what this is. I imagine one day. Whatever, it is will just give up and I'll be stuck somewhere.

 

Regards.

[dcc 855]

do a search on engine bay brown multi plug warm starting issue

 

or something to that effect

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

only things that can buzz really are relays does the car have an aftermarket immobiliser or factory fitted remote central locking/alarm?

[dcc 855]

I would suggest this is not a relay as it is the starter which is very common to fail to work, due to corrosion in the brown multiplug.

[TT205 42]

+1 starter wiring - but could be anywhere from ignition barrel to starter

[Anthony 1,003]

The buzzing is probably the fuel pump which is directly behind the drivers seat, and you can possibly just about hear the fuel flowing through the FPR. The tachymetric (fuel pump) relay is triggered by voltage on the starter solenoid wire.

 

To echo the above, it's likely either a starter beginning to fail or the wiring/connections.

[Carbs4me 45]

Sounds like my starter motor issue! get a bar and a hammer next time it does it knock the selonoid while getting someone to turn the key.

 

As mentioned above the buzzing sound is likely to be the fuel pump.

 

If you have a multi meter you can easily check if its the wiring. You should get the same Voltage at the postive wire on the starter as you would get from your battery. which is 12v

 

Quick and easy way to find the problem!

[iPlod999 143 1 Cars]

Hi folks thanks for the reply on this.

 

The noise is a humm and coming from the dash. Dont think it is from the petrol pump, no noise from behind me.

 

I was hoping to post a little video of what it is doing. Of course the car has started about 30 times this morning!

 

In regard to the starter motor. What it did not start yesday day I put the car in gear and rocked it back and forth a couple of times. On previous old cars this did help to 'move' the statter motor. However, I still had the humm.

 

I have near on zero knowledge in mechanics. Can only complete basic things and have no idea what things are called.

 

However, in the engine bay there is a part where a lead comes from something that looks like a small can and the lead goes off to the distributer cap. I have removed each of the wires/connections and cleaned up all the terminals and connections.

 

I imagine only time will tell but it has started fine so far today.

 

Regards.

[Dizzee stuff 33 1 Cars]

could just be as simple as poor battery conections or poor earth.

[Carbs4me 45]

Im sure its the fuel pump thats making the sound

 

Take it out get the engine warm and try it again.

 

my starter would work fine from cold its when it got warm it caused problems.

 

You should be able to see the starter motor from the top of your engine look down the side of the oil filler cap abit over to the left. there should be a cyclinder shaped object thats your starter if you take it to a auto electrician they should be able to check it with a multi meter within 2mins.

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

iPlod999 do you have alarm/immobiliser?

[iPlod999 143 1 Cars]

There is an LED light on the air vent drivers side. The light has never lit up since my ownership since October. I do not have any fobs or key to arm or disable. Nor have i spotted an horn thing that sound would come from under the bonnet.

 

It may just be a 'left over' from a previous add on.

[iPlod999 143 1 Cars]

Ok. When out for a run this morning. Well to do a Tesco shop.

 

It's happened again!

 

Now had a better listen and yes to noise is from behind the drivers seat. My hearing must be getting dodgey!

 

So from the comments above, is the starter motor giving up.

 

The car started fine on the 3rd attempt.

 

Thanks for all your help do far people.

[Carbs4me 45]

Once it warmed up the problem starts!

 

Same issue i had for 3 weeks... I got recommended a slim line valeo starter.. over my beefy Lucas one... which i did, I took my lucas starter to the auto eletrician's and they fixed it and it broke 1 week later.

 

You could actually change the starter motor yourself in an hour or so, its quite simple, only 1 bolt thats an arse to get back in which is the gearbox clutch lever.

 

Just get yourself a new inlet gasket which is £4

[Anthony 1,003]

Given that it's an 8v judging by the behaviour of the fuel pump, removing the inlet manifold is more of a hassle as there are coolant passages on the mating face on the head - remove the inlet manifold, and coolant will leak everywhere unless you've drained it before hand.

 

There's no need to remove the inlet or radiator to change a starter motor anyway - move the oil filler tower and pipe to one side, and remove the throttle body and induction pipe and there's plenty of space to remove it. It's actually possible without doing even that, but for ease of access you might as well.

[Carbs4me 45]

Thats why i do it.. never removed the rad tho!

 

Last time i tryed to take it off with the inlet on, i couldnt find a easy passage out! afew hand cuts later and a sore back, got it out. So i just take the inlet off from now on and remove the rad pipe before hand.