We have a non starter!!!

[liamlazenby]

Ok. So....basically. my lovely little 90bhp diesel ds3 gave me what I can only describe as the dead mans click. The lights were on but no one was home! I d everything I think is right. I switch ignition on EVERYTIME and wait for miles to come up so that its pre heat is good and ready. I keep it well maintained. Everything by the book. It started perfectly as normal earlier tonight. But when I decide to start it again later. I get nothing. Natta, zilch, feck all rodders. But I have radio, dash. No warning lights no messages.

So....help???
Please.....
Anybody...[emoji15]

[DaveB]

As a first check, make sure the battery connections aren't loose.

[Chris_Blue]

Hi- just because lights are on doesn't mean the battery has enough amps to turn the starter motor
How long u had the battery?
Have you left lights on when engine not running for any length time recently- easiest way to suss the battery is get a meter on it (Test probe) , try jump start or new battery.
Once battery is eliminated follow the electrical path to the spark plugs. Leads, solenoid, coil packs etc etc.

Good luck

[liamlazenby]

Hi all,
thanks for the replies. I had the RAC out on saturday he tested pretty much everything and found it to be a blown fuse due to starter motor over loading? What dya'll say about that?
A more mechanically minded friend has said solenoids. I haven't really got a clue but I'm driving to Scotland on the 28th so, need to figure out if I need to replace it.
Any more help would be appreciatos!

Many Thanks!

[liamlazenby]

Hi guys....so....this is still happening. Any clues as to where the starter motor is located? Want to check the solenoids and earth as im pretty sure its that that is causing the problem.
Ta muchly.

[WTF]

Hmmm, I know Mark A's 90 was a non starter for a few days - sure he'll be along to see if it's the same thing

[liamlazenby]

Hmmm, I know Mark A's 90 was a non starter for a few days - sure he'll be along to see if it's the same thing

Thanks WTF. Its getting silly now! Can't drive it for fear of not getting home. Only so many packs of fuses i can buy!!!

[Phil H]

Just get the starter motor changed...its unikely that you'll be able to see any visible faults.
Still under warranty hopefully.

[lfcrule1972]

As above, I think I'd take it to the dealer and ask for it to be looked at under warranty....

[liamlazenby]

Nope no warranty. Had the car 4 years now. it seems to be liking the last fuse I put in so I'm touching all the wood I can.
If it persists I'll get it changed. Thanks for the help as always people.
X

[T0rres 92]

might be a bit left field, but maybe check the right rating fuse is installed in the first place? also check the earth on the alternator

[liamlazenby]

might be a bit left field, but maybe check the right rating fuse is installed in the first place? also check the earth on the alternator

Have replaced the fuses multiple times like for like. 25a mini blade.
This has been working up until today. The car just refuses to start.
It did once after hokding ignition on for about 20 seconds then it sparked into life but now it won't do anything. All i get is a faint click in the bonnet fuse box and sometimes a click click repetition elsewhere in the engine bay.
I feel it may be a relay but unsure on the location behind the glove box or the rating. Any suggestions apart from a garage....
Thanks

[Bungz]

Starter motor does sound to be on its way out.

Stop start on a car tends to increase wear on them.

You will also find that labour costs to change these on the 1.6 HDI is very high because it is an absolute arsehole of a job to get to, its right at the back of the block.

[Deggersz]

Sounds like the starter solenoid to me mate, To be fair they're not that bad to change once you have made yourself room

[liamlazenby]

Quick update. Gave up in the end and sent the car into my local garage which used to be a citroen specialist. Diagnosed it quick enough and before a knew it they had changed it out for a new one. No problem. Was happy with this. Then had a phone telling me that my N.S. ball joint was badly worn and needed replacing.... ok no probs that explains my knocking noise. Then another call to tell me they have replaced both pads and discs as the disc was badly low and the pads had started to break away from the backing plate!!! Never heard of this!! Baffled them too! But hey how. She's back and driving beautifully as always. Just the aesthetics I need to get fixed ans I'll be beaming.