Clio doesn't want to crank over. Wiring?

[Dirtmatt]

Hi all,

My 172 has developed a starting issue over the last few days. At a guess its the starter that's shot but wanted to see if there is anything else to test for. I have replaced the crank angle sensor as this clogged before and caused the same problem.

Bit of a pain as the car is a daily driver. Three turns of the key and it started this morning. Tonight nothing, had to bump it and it fired fine so expecting starter or wiring?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Rubicon_]

Dodgy earth? Check the strap that goes from the gearbox to the chassis, can be found under passenger wheel arch.

 

[Dirtmatt]

Thanks mate I will have a look :up:

 

[bloke]

check the exciter is getting 12v on cranking.

crank sensor will not stop the car from turning over by the way.

 

[Dirtmatt]

Checked the earthing strap and all looks OK

Not the crank sensor mate, crank angle. Read and found out first hand they can cause issues.

Started finw this morning. Ran it for ten minutes and knocked it off. Went to start it again and nothing.

 

[adamlstr]

Battery?

Mine behaved extremely erratically when it was on the way out. Exactly as you describe, turn key=nothing, turn key=nothing, turn key=start.

 

[Dirtmatt]

Possible didn't think of that as it's been pretty good. Stuck the trickle charger on it a few times over the winter and always had plenty of charge.

Thanks mate

 

[RS Charlie]

Has the car ever had a clutch change? If so I'd be looking at the starter motor ; it may have been dropped on the floor and damaged the solenoid terminal.

 

[Dirtmatt]

Has the car ever had a clutch change? If so I'd be looking at the starter motor ; it may have been dropped on the floor and damaged the solenoid terminal.

Funny you say that. I gave the starter solenoid a friendly tap yesterday and it's started on the button since. No oem clutch in the car and it's slipping so looks like it's a new clutch and starter.

 

[RS Charlie]

Funny you say that. I gave the starter solenoid a friendly tap yesterday and it's started on the button since. No oem clutch in the car and it's slipping so looks like it's a new clutch and starter.

I only say it as I have had it happen on three occasions to me from 3 different garages! In most cases you can get away by soldering the break in the terminal. IME alot of pattern starters are barely within spec of a genuine item, but with a warranty of only a year on them...

I'd repair the original if it is just a simple break .

 

[Dirtmatt]

Thanks mate, the starter looks original. Seems like the solenoid is sticking, but can't see the wiring very well. Need to get some bits stripped off to take a better look at it.

 

[KevF182]

Its common for the 12v feed to starter to become unreliable. With mine it was corroded at the spade connector but some contact cleaner and its been fine for last couple of years.