[Engine] Intermittent starting

[HenryD]

Hi guys,
I have a UK 1.6HDi Life 2008 which has served me well and I love it, so trying to keep it going. Getting an issue where intermittently I get absolutely nothing when I try to start the engine, which happens a couple of times and then it just starts without me having done anything! The salient point is that there is no 'click', nothing at all. Any suggestions gratefully received
There are plenty of posts about starting issues where there is a click but I can't find any where the starter relay isn't firing. If I have reposted a problem which is already covered, I apologise but I don't seem to be able to find it.
Thanks in advance,
H.

[brodfather11]

If you are not clicking then the solenoid is either not getting the signal from the ignition switch , possible faulty switch or dodgy connection between the switch and the solenoid. or the solenoid itself is knackered.

A test lamp connected to the small signal wire on the solenoid and the key turned, if good should light up.

That will narrow it down to either the switch or the wires connecting them. A live feed connected to the solenoid signal terminal should work the solenoid if not , suspect solenoid .

There is always the possibility that a bad engine earth is the culprit , sometimes working sometimes not.
Does everything stay lit up when you get no click?
A test lamp between the live /pos battery terminal and engine could show it up.

The ignition switch contacts can wear and there has been reports about a dodgy switch. If you can get a light with your test lamp or multimeter at the switch then its fine.

An intermittent fault can very difficult to find and cure. You are the man on the spot and we can only suggest things , its up to you now.

Someone else may have had your problem and could tell you more

[HenryD]

If you are not clicking then the solenoid is either not getting the signal from the ignition switch , possible faulty switch or dodgy connection between the switch and the solenoid. or the solenoid itself is knackered.

A test lamp connected to the small signal wire on the solenoid and the key turned, if good should light up.

That will narrow it down to either the switch or the wires connecting them. A live feed connected to the solenoid signal terminal should work the solenoid if not , suspect solenoid .

There is always the possibility that a bad engine earth is the culprit , sometimes working sometimes not.
Does everything stay lit up when you get no click?
A test lamp between the live /pos battery terminal and engine could show it up.  

The ignition switch contacts can wear and there has been reports about a dodgy switch.  If you can get a light with your test lamp or multimeter at the switch then its fine.

An intermittent fault can very difficult to find and cure. You are the man on the spot and we can only suggest things , its up to you now.

Someone else may have had your problem and could tell you more

[HenryD]

Thanks for the reply, really appreciated.
Think you're right about fixing intermittent problems because the issue is only there for a really short period of time. When I turn the ignition switch, maybe once a week it will be complete silence but everything else (lights, radio, dash etc.) is working fine. Then usually on the second attempt it will just fire up as normal and if not, definitely on the third. So I may just have to wait until it gets worse I guess. I think that the starter relay may be sticking because I believe that can happen with wear, if the contacts are double-pole and would be inclined to just replace the relay if I knew where it is, as I've seen some comments that it might be built in and not replaceable.
Anyway, thanks for the tips, I'll check the connections with a multi-meter and see what that turns up.
Cheers H.

[HenryD]

So..... looks like I posted this in the wrong place, from the VIN the workshop manual says that my Berlingo is an M59. Apologies. I have waited and the problem has gotten worse but still very intermittent, never stops anywhere that I can do some investigation. Looks like its a heat thing though cos has been worse in hot weather and now it takes about 20 minutes to cool down then starts again.
Anyway, I'll move the post to the M59 section. Thanks for the help anyway.