Won't Start.....just Clicks....!

[citrophile]

Have been away for a week or so and tried to start the C5 Saturday but all I had was a clicking sound. No problem I thought, it usually needs a bit of a battery top up when its been left for over a week, so plugged in the Ctek and left it a couple of days.

 

Tried it this morning and still the same. Plenty of battery juice but the starter solenoid just clicks when you turn the ignition switch. I'm guessing the solenoid may have died but does that just happen without any warning signs??

 

[mhedwig]

Sounds like starter motor or a bad connection on solenoid

[paul.h]

You could see if the solenoid is putting 12 volts in to the starter. This would check the internal solenoid contacts and also the carbon brushes on the motor. You could also try 12 volts direct to the motor to bypass the solenoid to check the brushes but make sure it is not in gear.

 

I would also first check the battery voltage is about 12.5 volts, just in case the battery has failed and the starter is ok.

[citrophile]

Hi all, thanks for the useful tips.

 

Spent this afternoon getting it off the car after trying to get it to work without success. As usual the Haynes BoL was its usual erroneous self.......says you need to remove clutch slave cylinder, Jack up front, remove engine under tray and then take it out through the bottom.......pah......remove air filter, intercooler hose, 3 bolts and out. 20 minutes tops.

 

Anyway, got it out, compared it with the spare I took off my previous C5 but pinions were different with different numbers of teeth. Bizarre really as both cars were 2.0 HDI, 2005, 6sp box etc. Anyhow, starter solenoid worked but motor seemed a bit stiff to turn so stripped it down, checked brushes (all ok) cleaned it up, refitted and started first time....RESULT.

 

Now I have to get round to selling it......wife doesn't think I need 3 cars......it's a shame as it's been really good to me and just keeps on going. Have loads of spares for it too. Oh well!

[paul.h]

Pity the C5 has to go rather than the C4. If we had to get rid of a car we would need to keep the C5 since it is more useful, tows a caravan and can carry far more stuff.

 

Have you had the C4 bonnet recall yet - ours was done a few weeks ago. A few grease filled stickers were put around the hook on the bonnet to help prevent corrosion and the hook coming off.

[citrophile]

Yes I would rather keep the C5 but the C4 is used by SWMBO and she doesn't like to drive the C5 as says its too big (this from someone who used to drive her Dad's Austin 2200 aka Land Crab back in the day!!!)

 

So, the C5 has to go, along with loads of spares as I just won't need them anymore. Will be giving it a bit of a clean up in the next few days then trying to shift it. I know its not worth that much due to age and mileage but I'd hate to just see it scrapped. C'est La Vie......

 

.....and yes the C4 recall has been done. Lot of hassle over nothing in my view!

Edited April 19, 2017 by citrophile

[MikeLane]

"In the Old Days" sometimes the starter jammed and to unjam it one could put the car into gear (with the ignition OFF!) and, probably with someone's help, rock it forward enough to get the engine to turn and free the starter or solenoid. Alternatively, with help, bump start it in 2nd gear and see if that cures the problem

(As I said this was in the Old Days. Not sure whether it would work now but worth a try.)