Starter motor problems - Clio

travel_freak

Hi there,

My ageing (!) Clio which I must say is usually fine but for a few things needing doing all at once this year, recently died on me at the petrol pump (after I'd filled up, naturally!).

Called the RAC and he jiggled a wire attached to the starter motor (under the bonnet) and it then started no problem.

Since then it's done this to me a few more times and I've been able to start it myself by jiggling the same wire.

My question is do I need to have a whole new starter motor or might it just be a loose connection of this wire which is causing the problem? If so, is this a simple, cheap thing to fix?

And whichever it is, does anyone have any idea of fair costs for fixing the problem?

I may be upgrading the car soon so am wondering whether it's worthwhile fixing the problem or for how long I can go on jiggling the wire before it gives up the ghost completely?!?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

albionrovers

Try here.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=8

Stephen_Leak

travel_freak wrote: »

might it just be a loose connection of this wire which is causing the problem? If so, is this a simple, cheap thing to fix?

I certainly looks like it. I'd undo the wire, clean both halves of the connection with some wet & dry abrasive paper, put it together again and then give it a quick squirt of good old WD-40. If that doesn't work, I'd check out the local scrappies and try and get a "new" wire. If even that doesn't work, then - and only then - would I consider getting a reconditioned starter motor.

travel_freak

Hi Stephen Leak,

Many thanks for your reply. This is going to sound stupid but.... here goes. At the moment, the RAC man showed me how to reach the wire from the top - there's a gap and I squeeze my hand through and can just see to move the wire. I can only see a small bit of it. What would be the best way to access this to try the cleaning you suggest - do I need to jack the car up and approach it from underneath? Or if it is more involved than that, say removing other bits this is definitely way beyond me! and maybe I should try a garage.

Many thanks