Starting problem

[ant]

I hve an ongoing ignition problem whereby my Surf can start, no problem for weeks, and then out of the blue it doesn't want to know. the starter solenoid clicks and if I rock the ignition key enough times it may eventually start.Then for another few weeks it starts first time again. I spent £450 for a new starter motor to be fitted because that is what the garage told me the problem was but this has made no difference. I have a Cobra alarm and immobiliser. When I took it back to the garage they said it was the immobiliser and offered to bypass it for another £60.00 and insisted that the original starter was knackered.
Has anyone else experienced similar problems?

Ant.

[BUSHWHACKER]

There's either a loose connection in the starter circuit, or the starter relay has dirty contacts.



p.s. Don't go to that garage ever again!

[ant]

Thanks. While I was writing the original thread, my wife was sat waiting for the AA man. He said batts seem ok but could be ignition barrel. probably worth getting the starter relay checked first though. I also read a post after doing a search saying it could be the solenoid contact is this the same as the starter relay? (duh).
Will DEFINITELY not be using that garage again which happens to be a GARAGE in the BEECH HILL area!

Ant.

[soramad]

on most vehicles the ignition switch activates the coil on the starter relay the contacts of which in turn switches a heavier current to the coil on the starter solenoid the contacts of which in turn switches an even heavier current to the starter motor, so any of those coils or contacts being faulty will cause problems, as will poor connections causing a high resistance joint.

[Apache]

Your symptoms sound exactly like the 'usual' problem for the Surf starter motor of the circular contact on the plunger not bridging the fixed contacts properly because they're pitted. However, you've had a new starter so it cant be that.

They did show you the new starter didn't they? Just that if they replaced the starter as a first attempt, it indicates that they are either clueless or less than honest, or both.

Others in the thread have made good suggestions failing the above though.