Uh Oh! Is That Why He Sold It?

[The-Acre]

I hope I'm wrong about this but I've got a bad feeling. The car I've just bought is great but...I noticed 2 days ago that when I turned the key it hesitated, it happened again the next day. This morning (it was a lot colder) I turned the key and "click" After about 4 attempts it turned OK.

My first thoughts are that it was sold because it has a starter motor problem, which as we all know is bad news.

A couple of questions. How can I make sure it's the starter, and how many hundreds of pounds will I be looking at? I'm not too concerned because you take your chance with a used car, and if it's the only thing for some time then fair enough.

Scribe, if you read this can you text me your mechanics number? 07808 061663

Thanks

Phil

[steve2006]

Worst senario is the starter motor contacts and plunger but just after I repaired mine it decided not to start and it was due to the fact I hadn't fully tightened the Battery connections, nipped them up and been fine for years now.

There is a diagnostic proceedure but it means diving into the wiring loom, locating the relays etc and it is not forced to show up when you want it to.

Another thing I found that when the car was warm it always started fine.

I hear the later engine is an easier job as the plenum/inlet manifold comes off in one piece but still a major project.

If I remember correctly you bought the 38,000 miler which could mean lots of stop start short journeys.

[The-Acre]

Worst senario is the starter motor contacts and plunger but just after I repaired mine it decided not to start and it was due to the fact I hadn't fully tightened the battery connections, nipped them up and been fine for years now.

There is a diagnostic proceedure but it means diving into the wiring loom, locating the relays etc and it is not forced to show up when you want it to.

Another thing I found that when the car was warm it always started fine.

I hear the later engine is an easier job as the plenum/inlet manifold comes off in one piece but still a major project.

If I remember correctly you bought the 38,000 miler which could mean lots of stop start short journeys.

Hi Steve, mine is on 94k so I suppose it's about average. It's not a job I want to tackle myself simply because I'm so busy with work. Any idea how much I'll be looking at? Would it be best to get a new starter motor? They seem to be quite reasonable from the States, or is it a safe thing to replace parts in the old one as you did?

Phil

[dave1]

I had similar problem on my GS430 a year or so ago. An auto electrician advised me to loosen the connector on the Battery terminal and put a small panel pin into the ring and retighten it. Once I inserted pin it tightened much better and it's been perfect since.

[The-Acre]

I had similar problem on my GS430 a year or so ago. An auto electrician advised me to loosen the connector on the battery terminal and put a small panel pin into the ring and retighten it. Once I inserted pin it tightened much better and it's been perfect since.

Now a panel pin I can afford!

I think in the morning I'll give the terminals a tweak, just in case. I suppose I have to try all the obvious things like that before parting with lots of money.

Thanks.

Phil

[The-Acre]

Took the car to the garage this morning at 8.30 and picked it up at 6.00pm, all sorted. £13 for starter motor parts and....just a little more for the labour!

A big thanks again to Scribe for the contact, an excellent little garage in Hove (near Brighton) only 9 miles away. The info found on this forum is priceless sometimes, where esle would you get it?

Phil