Non starting 2.0HDI 2004

[boltonboy]

Hi
HELP PLEASE Car wouldnt start this morning.

Always been a bit weird on starting TBH

Turn the key first time and it sounds like the battery is low,doesnt fire up
Try it again and the starter runs and the car starts normally.

This morning same first attempt slow starter, doesnt fire
Go to start again and nothing !  All lights on but starter not engaging, try spare key etc nothing !

Put a boost pack on the battery (But all lights and wipers working fine) still nothing

The ignition does feel a bit 'muddy' is the best I can describe it but always been like this (Key doesnt turn too freely)

Not sure what to check first ?
Starter Motor ? or Ignition barrel /contacts ?

Thanks in advance

Phil

[polar]

Starter motors on the 2.0 hdi are a know weak spot and the cause of many starting problems, ive changed loads of them - make sure you get a good quality one as the cheap ones are rubbish.

[boltonboy]

Thank you, I thought it must be as it was so random, slow start, then fast start
Appreciate the quick reply

[landcrab]

hi if your buying a new starter ,buy a heavy duty one from ebay ive fitted 2 of these on my berlingos .the second ones starter was sill working ok but they make such a differance i had to fit one .there slighty bigger with a differant number of teeth.

[boltonboy]

Ok that makes sense
Thanks