Oli-b
Newbie
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« on: April 20, 2011, 04:35:05 PM » |
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Hi, I've just bought a 93 2.0l carlton estate auto. The long drive back was fine but since then it's developed a starting problem.... Well it won't start. All the dash lights come on but when the key is turned there is just a clicking sound. I'm sure it's a common thing just not got much experience with vauxhalls. Any help would be appreciated. Oli
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g4rth
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« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2011, 05:06:42 PM » |
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battery flat...enough power for the lights and stuff..but not for starter...and check connections to battery and starter solenoid...
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melinx
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« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2011, 06:14:32 PM » |
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battery flat...enough power for the lights and stuff..but not for starter...and check connections to battery and starter solenoid...
Check the battery voltage when trying to start: If it falls below 10/11 volts, you have a problem, if it looks OK, check it again on the starter motor terminal itself (not the cable tag) If that looks OK it may be that the motor brushes are worn out; I don't think it's a common problem but it did happen to me  http://totalcarlton.com/forums/index.php/topic,10500.msg83735.html#msg83735 |
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stemo
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« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2011, 06:27:58 PM » |
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Is it in Park or Neutral? Having left mine in gear before I know how easy it can be to overlook...
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Pedro
I'M A FILTHY TORY!
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« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2011, 07:30:55 PM » |
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battery flat...enough power for the lights and stuff..but not for starter...and check connections to battery and starter solenoid...
I'll agree with that. The red charging light didn't light up on the long drive home, did it? If not, then that gives you an idea that at least the alternator is OK. The trouble starts when you get a reading of 14V at the battery and assume all is well - trust me, get the battery checked properly and be prepared to get a new 'un.  Get alternator charging checked while you're at it too. If the red charging light even so much as flickers (probably more noticeable on tickover) might well be the alternator, but as said, check wiring for corrosion (it happens) between battery, alternator and starter - well, the solonoid on the starter motor - and replace if hard, cracked or very powdery at the connections. |
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Do you know what "Nemesis" means? A righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent. Personified in this case by an 'orrible c*nt... me.
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carlton_mad
3.0 CDX and now Diamond 3.0 24v
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dartford kent
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« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2011, 08:04:42 PM » |
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one way to test this is to run a jump lead to the positive terminal on the starter to the pos on the battery turn the key and see if she turns over!
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what would life be like if we all drove fwd cars? feckin boring that's what rear drive or bust
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g4rth
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« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2011, 08:11:47 PM » |
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also check the earth strap to the motor...the clicking will be the solenoid..
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Oli-b
Newbie
Posts: 4
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« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2011, 11:01:29 PM » |
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Cheers for all the advice.
The battery light didn't flicker on the journey back. The battery is fairly new but I'll check everything above tomorrow. Oli
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kevinfourlegs
The only TC member with four legs
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Am I the only TC member in south Wales?
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« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2011, 07:48:46 AM » |
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I've just bought a 2.0 GLi auto estate. Bought mine in Dover and I also had a long trip home, via Southend, as I lives in Wales.
I could be wrong, but I'd say its starter motor.
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RWD, as it was, as it is, as it should be for real men.
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Oli-b
Newbie
Posts: 4
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« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2011, 12:49:42 AM » |
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So today I replaced the battery and cleaned all the connections etc then it started. Hopefully should be the end of this problem, cheers for the help.
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Murph
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« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2011, 08:23:55 AM » |
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Glad we could help Oli.
Keep on posting though!
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kevinfourlegs
The only TC member with four legs
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Am I the only TC member in south Wales?
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« Reply #11 on: April 23, 2011, 09:52:53 AM » |
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Gotta agree with ya Day, more posts the better.
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RWD, as it was, as it is, as it should be for real men.
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Oli-b
Newbie
Posts: 4
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« Reply #12 on: May 19, 2011, 07:36:54 AM » |
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So bit of an update- car was fine for a while then started to do it again. I've checked the battery and alternator and they're fine and also removed any ancillary fuses to see if something was draining the battery but that's fine too.
If it doesnt start I have to jump start it then it's fine for a while. I was thinking the starter is knackered but how come it starts when jumped? Confused. Oli
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Dave the Builder
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« Reply #13 on: May 19, 2011, 08:14:35 AM » |
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The sterio drains power, more so if it's an aftermarket one and the switched live and perminant live are joined.
then there is the boot light, glove box light ,interior light ? badly fitted aftermarket electrics like towbar relays.
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If the above post contains spelling mistakes / grammatical errors / poor use of the quote function / a very weak retort, or is generally shyte; it's because I'm feked on a cocktail of drugs,homebrew and carb cleaner.sorry
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melinx
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« Reply #14 on: May 19, 2011, 08:46:50 AM » |
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The easiest way to check for something discharging the battery is to connect a 'cheapo' amp meter (Maplin) in series with the battery with everything switched off and remove the interior light bulb.
The current drawn should not be higher than about 0.02 amps; if it is, start pulling fuses until it drops, that should narrow it down to the group of things fed by that fuse.
Do not switch on any high current devices whilst doing this or you will blow the fuse inside the meter.
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