Engine Starting Problems

[XsaraOwner1]

Hey everyone ;)

 

I've got a Xsara W Reg. It's been fine up to now, but today it won't start. I can bump start it with no problem at all, and it will then run until I take the key out. Once I do this I'm back to square one and I can't start the car - It doesn't even seem like it's trying to start as it makes no noise at all.

 

After attempting to start the car, the whole thing seems to 'reset' and makes a lot of whirring and clicking noises.

 

As an interesting sidenote, if I turn the key to the on position, I can use the electric windows and radio etc. Indicators will work, but once I turn on the headlights, the electrics will just die.

 

I hope I've described this problem ok - can anyone help? :)

 

Thanks

[Jonno]

Could just possibly be a flat battery?? Charge the battery (with a charger - not by the engine running) and try again.

[Guest deany2k10]

hi my w reg xsara is doing the same thing as yours was, my battery has been fully charged (by charger not in car)iv had the starter motor out and cleaned all the connectors, it worked when we used jump leads on it but not when its put back in the car, it will start when towed and runs like a dream can you tell me how yours was fixed and what it was

thanks

[paul.h]

I would check the voltage across your battery, should be 12.7 volts when fully charged, anything less than 12.3 and it is classed as discharged with in between as partially charged. The fact your car starts from jump leads (presumably connected to the battery terminals) indicates the battery is at fault.

[Guest deany2k10]

sorry i meant the starter worked with the jump leads not the car but the car does start when towed which bypasses the starter. the battery is brand new so i think it should be ok. i think it is possibly the starter but want to make sure there is nothing else before i spend too much money.

[Johndouglas]

I take it the starter doesn't spin at all. If the starter works with jump leads then the starter must be OK. If the battery is new then that is probably OK. If it doesn't start with the battery fitted then I should start checking the pos. & neg connections. The positive connection at the starter and the earthing straps - probably around the gearbox.

[Guest deany2k10]

the starter spins and clicks while its in the car just wont start the car i will check the connections and hopefully get it running thanks

[Johndouglas]

the starter spins and clicks while its in the car just wont start the car

 

So if the starter spins maybe the pinion on the starter and/or the ring gear has missing teeth. But then it would make horrible graunching noises. Have a look at the teeth on the end of the starter and on the ring gear around the flywheel. The engine usually stops in the same position.