3 Clicks then the car starts

G

griffnut

Member
 Northants
Hi folks,

I've a problem with my 2009 E85 3.0si, that being from when the car is Cold - I got to start the car and nothing happens bar the starter clicking, but on the 4th attempt the car starts.
I have put a new battery in the car due to it being past it's warranty date, but the starter clicks and and the engine does not turn over until the 4th attempt. It does turn over very easily eventually.

I have read on various forums that it could be the starter motor, others say that it's the ignition switch.

Has anyone had the same problem ?
 
Get the battery checked to see if it's taking a charge. Could be low due to dodgy alternator.

Starter motor getting enough from the battery?

Get the car started and get the codes read.
 
Thanks for the tip, I have changed the battery for a new one and the charge rate is is 14.6 volts. It seems a total mystery to me.
 
Starting with the cheaper stuff:

Worth grounding the engine to the chassis with a jumper cable to rule out a poor/high resistance engine ground.

I am sure you have already checked for suspect fuses. I believe the starter circuit from the ignition barrel is fused.

The EWS module relay can be easily bypassed but it doesn't really sound like that is your issue.

The ignition barrel could be at fault, I believe this can be fairly easily bypassed to check if it is the issue.

Unfortunately it is likely to be a failing starter but don't jump into that before ruling out everything else. They are hidden under the intake manifold so abit of a pain and costly to replace.
 
Thank you for the reply and tips, I do tend to agree with you about the starter motor at fault. it could possibly a build of deposits on the solenoid restricting the movement but after 3 attempts the solenoid finally engages.

As you say, a pain in the b...
 
No problem. Thought I would throw a few ideas into the mix!
It does sound like the solenoid could be sticking, preventing the starter gear from meshing with the flywheel.
Could also just be dirty contacts where the solenoid engages the motor itself leaving the gear just popping back and forth.
I am not sure how easily serviceable the motors are but if you have some time on your hands it might be worth grabbing a replacement intake manifold gasket and some contact cleaner and having a ganders under there.
If you can get onto it with a jumper cable atleast you could prove if the motor is at fault. :thumbsup:
 
Many thanks for the feedback, looks like we are on a similar path - dodgy starter motor/connections. I will have to wait until the lock-down is over to get a garage to carry out the works.
 
Unfortunately it does sound like the starter.
Hopefully your mechanic can diagnose it with some certainty. Best of luck Griffnut :thumbsup:
Keep us posted on how the repairs go.
 
As soon as we get parole for good behavior, I get it fixed. Ill then give an update of what the final outcome was. Many thanks for all of the help.

Keep safe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom