car wont start and cant lock doors!

[kwif007]

I left my house this morning, the car started fine, perhaps a little delayed than usual. i dropped my girl off at school, and when i started the car again it doesnt start, i cant lock the car either

When i press the start button it makes a whirring sound for approx 8 seconds then stops, all the other electronics seem fine?

any suggestions?

Cheers

Kris

[davelowe]

Put the car in the highest gear, then push it around a foot forward (engine not running). Try to start it again (in neutral!).

[kwif007]

thanks for the advice, the garage repair it put it down to the cambelt, got a new belt and they replaced the tensioner. got it back and the next day the same happened.

I called out one of the mechanics who did exactly what you said to do, and voila the car started, he said its the starter sticking, is this correct?

Is this a common problem?

Cheers

[davet47]

thanks for the advice, the garage repair it put it down to the cambelt, got a new belt and they replaced the tensioner. got it back and the next day the same happened.

I called out one of the mechanics who did exactly what you said to do, and voila the car started, he said its the starter sticking, is this correct?

Is this a common problem?

Cheers

I wouldn't go to that garage again! Sticky starter is much more likely.

[davelowe]

Either the starter solenoid is sticking (hopefully) or you are missing a tooth on the flywheel (the starter is moving but hitting a space if you see what I mean). Corrective action might be to repair or replace the starter motor from a scrap yard (check its teeth aren't worn). Failing that you are looking at major damage to the wallet.

Before all that, ensure that the battery is fully charged and that the wiring to the starter is sound.

[kwif007]

thanks for your replies, I am now thinking the cambelt and tensioner werent the problem at all, but I dont care as the garage paid so it couldnt of hurt;)

When you say major damage to the wallet if I fail that, does that mean it could be a BIG problem, I personally think it is the starter sticking, Is it stupid to leave it til after xmas when I got a bit more cash or is it something that will cause further harm? the car has started fine all week, it was wierd the two occurances were within a couple of day.

Let me know your thoughts

[davelowe]

When you say major damage to the wallet if I fail that, does that mean it could be a BIG problem, I personally think it is the starter sticking, Is it stupid to leave it til after xmas when I got a bit more cash or is it something that will cause further harm? the car has started fine all week, it was wierd the two occurances were within a couple of day.

Mine has not started twice in 4 years due to a grinding sound (solenoid didn't engage with the flywheel in time). Given the fact that your car has subsequently started fine, I would leave it alone and play wait and see. You are probably correct in that the starter motor solenoid is sticking. This was fairly common on older cars. The solution was to hit it with a mallet(!).

If it plays up more, remove the starter motor and disassemble/re-condition it. If the teeth are worn or missing, replace it. This will cost some, but not a lot of money - assuming an independent carries it out. It will cost obviously nothing in labour if you do it yourself.

The big money item is if the flywheel has a broken/worn or missing tooth. The chances of this been the case are very remote. I apologise for not explaining before and alarming you.

No harm will come if you continue to use the car.

[Victor Meldrew]

Does this fault occur anywhere or just near your daughters school ? my car has the same problem near my daughters house (nowhere else) I have a feeling there is a strong radio signal in the area which swamps the key card .
I can't see any of the previous suggestions addressing the none locking element of your question!

John W

[davelowe]

Does any one think of the cold that most these problems come with, could have been anything starter, battery, connection,s the diesel passing cloud point and ramming the filters with crap list goes on.

Indeed so, but I find that I repeat myself with regard to electrical issues so did not mention that list again. The cold weather has resulted in many new members with very common problems.

In this instance, a low battery condition (or other factor) may prevent the solenoid from having enough force to engage the teeth before rotating. Similarly the doors may be effected.