Not sure what this is - can you help. When you turn the key all the lights come on as normal, petrol pump clicks ok but on turning to start the engine - nothing - quiet as a mouse. This happened the other day so I moved it back and forward a couple of times and hey presto she started. But not now - I've tried this again I've also bashed the starting motor with a hammer (not really sure I hit it in the correct place!) and still nothing. It will start ok with a push but this isn't too convenient.
One thing I noticed is that the barrel where the key goes in has moved - see picture - it used to be upright. Could a wire have dropped off the back? I also can't see any way of getting to the barrel to have a look at the wires behind.
you can get to the ignition lock by taking the speedo forward, by unscrewing the 2 screws eiteher side , you get to these through the glove box sides, do not take them right out
try these first
other possible causes could be a loose earth from the battery, loose connection on the solenoid, loose connection on the starter motor, loose connection on the ignition switch
it wont be anything serious
Last edited by aupickup on Mon May 04, 2009 2:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hiya Dennis, That was quick solenoid - is that the bit that's covered in rubber? There's only one wire that goes to the motor - how do I actually start to check the connections? I'll ring you in a few minutes <br><br>
To see if the starter is working ok - ignition ON, choke OUT, gear in neutral and handbrake ON - then push the rubber button on the underside of the solenoid. The starter should run - and the engine should start. Better than a 'push' but still not completely handy. If that all works - then the problem likely is indeed in your ignition switch.
I think it probably is the starter switch. The wires to there have very little give and I have often seen fraying wires held to components with only one itsy bitsy bit of copper.
Older and more confused than I could ever imagine possible.
Excellent - all now fixed. One of the connections was off the back of the switch. Well it was a good opportunity to check all the connections (they were all loose) clean them up and tighten them. I like the solenoid button trick - works a treat. Many thanks - off we go again
If I remember correctly the connections are soldered on to the ignition switch so are unlikely to have come off. (I could be wrong).
When you have the starter running you can tighten the ignition lock nut by inserting a screw driver in the slot and tapping it round in a clockwise direction.
Back to the starter motor. As has been said, check all the connections are tight from the battery terminal, the starter button and the connection to the starter. Check the earth lead from the battery is securely tightened at both ends. Also check that the starter motor is bolted on to the engine tightely as the starter earths through the engine.
If you still have problems there is an earth lead under the car between the gearbox and the underside of the car.
If you are still having problems it is time for a cup of tea.
Next you can test the starter by removing it from the car and putting it on the floor and connecting a pair of jump leads to the terminal on the starter and the flange where it bolts on to the engine. If the starter spins it is ok.
You have fixed it before I finished typing. Must learn to type with two fingers instead of one.
solenoid - is that the bit that's covered in rubber? There's only one wire that goes to the motor - how do I actually start to check the connections? I'll ring you in a few minutes 
