V6 Contemp Occasionally starter just goes click

ProfDave · 29th July 2015, 11:56

Hi all

On my Royal Blue since the battery went dead I put a new one on. Starts great but on occasions I get in turn the key and it just clicks once (not multiple with flashing lights and battery at full strength). Is this a bad earth or is it a symptom of a failing starter motor.

when it does this if I switch off and back on again it will start straight away so I am guessing its just not quite getting enough juice??

Tenesmus · 29th July 2015, 12:39

Failing starter solenoid? I got an aftermarket one off ebay and it cured it for me.

SD1too · 29th July 2015, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfDave

On my Royal Blue since the battery went dead I put a new one on.

Dave; first of all, did you charge it before fitting? I bought a new battery for our little city car recently and it accepted many hours of charge.

Secondly, check that the battery clamps are pushed tightly down over the tapered posts. Give them a gentle tap to be sure, but keep it gentle! Oh, and it's good practice to smear the posts with petroleum jelly.

Let us know how you get on.

Simon

DMGRS · 29th July 2015, 14:08

If the clamps and earths are OK, it sounds like the prime suspect would be the solenoid mechanism.
It relies on copper contacts which wear in use - luckily there are kits to solve it.

dave lincs · 29th July 2015, 15:22

hi
you need a starter repair kit I have fitted quite a few and get them from repairkits on ebay and never had any problem with them and quick delivery

whole job should take you no more than an hour to do

ProfDave · 29th July 2015, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

Dave; first of all, did you charge it before fitting? I bought a new battery for our little city car recently and it accepted many hours of charge.

Secondly, check that the battery clamps are pushed tightly down over the tapered posts. Give them a gentle tap to be sure, but keep it gentle! Oh, and it's good practice to smear the posts with petroleum jelly.

Let us know how you get on.

Simon

I have had a fiddle with the posts and that may have been it. The positive one seemed to screw down nice and tight but I am unconvinced it was. Slacked them all off a few taps and retightened and seems to be AoK. Will get her under cover tomorrow and give the new batt some beans too in case (it has a charge indicator which seems ok but could have sat for months!)

29th July 2015, 11:56	#1
ProfDave This is my second home ZTT, Contemp Saloon, Duotone Tourer Join Date: May 2012 Location: Llandeilo Posts: 4,192 Thanks: 290 Thanked 387 Times in 333 Posts	V6 Contemp Occasionally starter just goes click Hi all On my Royal Blue since the battery went dead I put a new one on. Starts great but on occasions I get in turn the key and it just clicks once (not multiple with flashing lights and battery at full strength). Is this a bad earth or is it a symptom of a failing starter motor. when it does this if I switch off and back on again it will start straight away so I am guessing its just not quite getting enough juice??

29th July 2015, 12:39	#2
Tenesmus Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Penzance Posts: 481 Thanks: 17 Thanked 69 Times in 52 Posts	Failing starter solenoid? I got an aftermarket one off ebay and it cured it for me. __________________ 2005 Connoisseur 2.5 auto SE Tourer in BRG with Sandstone Beige and Black piping interior (the 2nd of only 7 Rover 75s produced 5th November 2004, and it’s the 244th of 303 facelift British Racing Green 75 tourers built worldwide). All I've done is add Rover walnut gear knob and handbrake... 2016 Vauxhall Viva SL (Father Jack) "assisted manual" (auto) in purple. Going rusty underneath already...

29th July 2015, 14:08	#4
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,321 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	If the clamps and earths are OK, it sounds like the prime suspect would be the solenoid mechanism. It relies on copper contacts which wear in use - luckily there are kits to solve it. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

29th July 2015, 15:22	#5
dave lincs Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Louth Posts: 1,430 Thanks: 380 Thanked 986 Times in 476 Posts	starter clicking hi you need a starter repair kit I have fitted quite a few and get them from repairkits on ebay and never had any problem with them and quick delivery whole job should take you no more than an hour to do