1.6 CTi starting Issues... but not the motor?

[adybatt 1]

Hi all, 1989 1.6 CTi with an intermittent starting issue. Sometimes is fires straight up with one click of the ignition, and it mean not even a hesitation. Other times i hear the click of a relay, an electrical hum (as long as i keep the key held at starting position) but nothing else.

I suspected the starter motor, as this was the only thing not replaced during engine rebuild. Recently replaced with a new valeo unit, but it's still happening. Garage seemed to think i may have been supplied a faulty unit... but i'm still wondering if theres something else going on. 

 

i'm attaching a video of the issue. once it starts doing this, i generally remove the key and have another go, at some point it behaves and fires right up.

 

Does anyone have any guidance on what else i can check?

Many thanks

[PhilNW 44]

Quite common problem, probabaly wire from ignition switch to solenoid is dodgy. put a new one in parallel and isolate old one

Edited April 2 by PhilNW

[adybatt 1]

Thanks for the quick response, Phil. So this is a new live from the ignition switch to the starter motor? Thanks

[welshpug 1,661]

Usually no need to replace it all the way back, only as far as the plugs next to the steering column under the dash

[Gohn 68]

my starter motor has missed on two occassions now

sounds similar to the above although not sure if it clicked or not

 

my starter motor wire is in three sections:

1. ignition barrel to main fuse board

2. fuse board to glow plug control unit

3. glow plug unit to starter motor

 

- which section usually needs replacing ?

- is it corrosion getting in to the wire ends as mine look fine ?

 

also, the wire spade connector on the starter motor doesn't feel that secure, wondering if it wobbles about and effects the power from ignition ?

[adybatt 1]

apologies! i meant to update on this. when i finally got into it i found a small knick in one section of wire that had been taped, between the barrel and the first connector under the dash. i chopped back the cable and crimped on new spade connectors, pushing them onto the original connector. Since then, everything has been fine.

i'm attaching a couple of images.

strikes me as an annoying issue, and something like a connector could cause it? could well have been that in my case, as i did replace the crimps.

 

[welshpug 1,661]

that is likely evidence of an Alarm/immobiliser being removed at some point in its past

[Leslie green 111]

Interesting ! , mine does the same in position 3 , wondering do the dash lights and gauges  go off now when it position 3 that its fixed ?

[PhilNW 44]

On 11/1/2024 at 9:30 AM, adybatt said:

apologies! i meant to update on this. when i finally got into it i found a small knick in one section of wire that had been taped, between the barrel and the first connector under the dash. i chopped back the cable and crimped on new spade connectors, pushing them onto the original connector. Since then, everything has been fine.

i'm attaching a couple of images.

strikes me as an annoying issue, and something like a connector could cause it? could well have been that in my case, as i did replace the crimps.

 

 

Does the starter turn over the engine every time now?

 

I have had problems with the connector onto the AFM in the past and the temp sensor connector more recently giving intermittent starting.

 

Not surprizing when the wiring looms are now around 30 years old  

Edited December 14 by PhilNW