Click and then nothing?

[Surf01]

In the morning when I start the vehicle all it does is click and the starter does not turn over. Radio etc work fine. Had a new battery less than 2 months ago. Had a full service last week where everything was changed including transmission fluid.
If I jump start it, initially it will click and the 2nd time fires up. If I switch off the engine within a minute or two and try again, it starts straight away and for the rest of the day no problem with starting.
The following morning we are back to square one with it not turning over the starter motor. This has only occurred over the past two mornings. The vehilce has had two good long runs recently also.
I don't know if the battery is somwhow being drained overnight or if there is an issue with the starter motor, but the starter motors on these are generally very reliable. the only thing that could drain the battery would be the Cobra alarm but that seems to be working fine unless the mechanics did something that is causing a short somewhere. The vehicle has done 85000 miles and is a 1997 KZN185 3.0L auto.
Has any one got any suggestions a I don't want to be spending more money at this stage?

[hiroler]

sounds more like a battery drain than a starter problem. try disconecting the battery over night see if it starts ok in the morning!

[Surf01]

sounds more like a battery drain than a starter problem. try disconecting the battery over night see if it starts ok in the morning!

Okay as I have to start somewhere. Although the alarm will be disconnected i guess any one else will have a hard time starting it.

[truckarms]

Its the starter motor, very common problem.

Trust me if you sat there and tried to start the car (as in turn the key) over and over again eventually it starts.

Its all to do with the copper contacts in the starter motor, they wear and corrode.

check out
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/...imrockford.htm

its the same on the diesels, also do a search on here there are other write ups but I like coreys from the us forum as the extension bars are critical unless you dont mind losing your nuckles!!!! (cant spell sorry)

[truckarms]

also roughtrax do a total renovation kit or ebay does some kits all you need is the starter motor number (again use the search)

[Surf01]

Thanks truckarms. Normally I would assume that it is the starter motor, but for the rest of the day starting several times no issue. Only issue is first thing in the morning. Never had any issues until the vehicle was serviced.
Is there any way you can monitor if there is a drain on your battery? Is the starter difficult to get at on the KZN185 engine otherwise I would have a go at changing the contacts myself.

[lord_flashart]

You have the exact problem I do on my 2nd Gen., most of the time the contacts work and some times they don't. Next time it doesn't start roll the truck in gear to spin the starter and then try again, mine will start every time after that.

My starter motor refurb kit arrived from Roughtrax yesterday, just need to sort it now!

What's the easiest way to get it out?


Thanks,

Ray.

[Surf01]

Next time it doesn't start roll the truck in gear to spin the starter and then try again, mine will start every time after that.
Ray.

It is an auto so don't think that you can roll the truck to spin the starter. I agree surely there must be an easier way to remove the starter from a 3rd gen?

[OllieNZ]

I just did mine on my 3l the easiest way I found was get the nuts off from under the car reaching up past the transmission using a short socket with a universal and 18 inch extension. The contacts are easy to change took me 1.5hrs total and have never done the job before.

Ollie

[White Russian]

had the same problem with my 3rd gen. refurb kit from ROUGHTRAXS job done

[Apache]

Cant you do it the same way as on a 2nd gen? Its the same layout isn't it?

Work through the wheelarch to undo everything, then pass the starter up out past the (removed) fuel filter housing. Thats how I did mine twice. Though you may be able to lower it down on the 3rd gen as you have a different front sus layout.

[Surf01]

Before ordering any spares etc, I will check the state of the battery tomorrow to see if it is fully charged or not. If it is and still clicking I guess I will have to buy starter kit. If not I will have to look elsewhere.
Vehicle has started up several times today with no issues. Just seems a morning thing at the moment. Luckily we have another car that I have been using to jump start it in the mornings.
Just spent £380 on a full service, repairs to rear brake cylinder and new brakes on the front. Only used the vehicle twice since its service last week befroe this issue came up. Not happy about spending another £100!
Any budding mechanics around Worcester/Malvern want to earn a few bob? I will pay for spares etc.

[Apache]

If you can get the starter out, I'll happily refurb it for you (done three now). If you want it taken out too, you would have to wait until I have a bit of spare time - all seems to be taken up with DIY at the mo! Get the service pack from Roughtrax anyhow and I'll see what I can do.

[charvell]

try starting it in neutral mate. if it starts then its not the starter moter

[Surf01]

If you can get the starter out, I'll happily refurb it for you (done three now). If you want it taken out too, you would have to wait until I have a bit of spare time - all seems to be taken up with DIY at the mo! Get the service pack from Roughtrax anyhow and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for the kind offer. I will see what happens tomorrow when I try & start it.