Starter Motor/Solenoid

[manxblue]

Hi all.  I have just replaced the battery and starter motor on my 2010 Berlingo 1.6 Diesel as it was just "clicking" when trying to start it.  Unfortunately, it still just "clicks" when the key is turned for maybe 4 or 5 ocassions before the starter turns and the engine starts.  I have checked all the leads and they are in good condition and secure.  The "click" seems to be coming from the area of the passenger footwell and wonder if there is a solenoid or other electrical item I should have replaced.  Van runs fine when started but still takes 4 or 5 "click" turns before finally starting.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Mark in the cold and snowy Highlands of Scotland. 

[brodfather11]

Sounds like a bad connection somewhere. As you have changed the starter which should have a solenoid mounted on top it is the solenoid which is doing the clicking. Its in the area of the clicking sound.

If you are sure its a good starter motor then it could be a bad connection at the engine earth strap.
A bad connection will heat up when trying to start.
The battery earth (negative) connections where it connects to the body is another area which may need to be looked at.

[oilyrag]

Might the ignition switch be the problem as you've changed battery & motor? The solenoid has to move the full distance to make contact with the supply lead internal contact and I wonder if there is a weak supply from the ignition switch. With ignition off if you take off the small lead from the motor and use a fly lead from the battery and touch it on the now exposed small lead contact it should drive the motor straight away. Make sure that you are in neutral or Park otherwise the vehicle will move.
Alternatively remove the motor and do the same test on the bench.
Good luck!

[manxblue]

Sounds like a bad connection somewhere. As you have changed the starter which should have a solenoid mounted on top it is the solenoid which is doing the clicking. Its in the area of the clicking sound.

If you are sure its a good starter motor then it could be a bad connection at the engine earth strap.
A bad connection will heat up when trying to start.
The battery earth (negative) connections where it connects to the body is another area which may need to be looked at.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will have another look at the connections today.  I'll let you know how I get on. 

[manxblue]

Might the ignition switch be the problem as you've changed battery & motor?  The solenoid has to move the full distance to make contact with the supply lead internal contact and I wonder if there is a weak supply from the ignition switch. With ignition off  if you take off the small lead from the motor and use a fly lead from the battery and touch it on the now exposed small lead contact it should drive the motor straight away. Make sure that you are in neutral or Park otherwise the vehicle will move.
Alternatively remove the motor and do the same test on the bench.
Good luck!

Never thought of that  - I will give it a go today and let you know how it goes. 

[manxblue]

Thanks folks. Found the negatice battery connection was just a little bit loose. Cleaned up the terminal and tightened properly. Starts first time now . . Pleased as Punch !! Thanks so much for the suggestions

[Guanock]

Hi

That's good.
It is always better to start with the basics before getting into the complicated.

Geoff

[Multispacer]

Thanks folks.  Found the negatice battery connection was just a little bit loose.  Cleaned up the terminal and tightened properly.  Starts first time now . . Pleased as Punch !! Thanks so much for the suggestions

Is this earth connection easily accessible? I'm having similar problems to you and want to check it all out before going down the starter motor replacement route.

[oilyrag]

I guess that you may be talking of the earth connection on the car rather than the battery earth. Just follow the large negative lead from the battery to the terminal. If you don't want to risk having to re-set anything caused by disconnecting the lead then attach a jump lead from the battery terminal to the chassis or engine block to maintain the circuit, before any disconnections.

[Multispacer]

I guess that you may be talking of the earth connection on the car rather than the battery earth. Just follow the large negative lead from the battery to the terminal. If you don't want to risk having to re-set anything caused by disconnecting the lead then attach a jump lead from the battery terminal to the chassis or engine block to maintain the circuit, before any disconnections.

Yes, I was just wondering if it was under the battery tray, as that is a bit of a chore to get out, I seem to remember there is one bolt on the tray that has to be accessed from the front n/s wheel arch, which means removing the road wheel and the inner arch protector cover to gain access to it?