Started car in gear! Doh! Starter motor now dud?

cubegame

I hopped in to the car (2003 Fiesta 1.3) this evening and managed to turn the ignition while it was still in gear without the clutch down.

After a small judder I was berating myself and then turned the key again. Nothing. It's completely dead.

I've listened out for clicks when trying to crank but there isn't a sound. The only thing I can hear is that there is a couple of clicks when returning the ignition key back to the insertion position.

I'm thinking this is going to be a new starter motor. Any thoughts?

Quentin

Try rocking it in gear.

Put it in first gear (no ignition on), brake off.

Then go round the back and push it to rock it back and fro a few times.

Then see if it starts,

But a 2003 starter could well be on its way out, so don't see this as a permanent fix (if it works).

TrickyWicky

More likely the starter tried to draw a lot of current and blew a fuse. Check those first before getting a mechie to look at it as they'll see you as an easy target for a 'big job'.

Also consider getting yourself an auto. They'll only let you crank the engine in Park or Neutral. If you're in any gear at all it simply won't do anything as a safeguard.

Rolandtheroadie

I'd go with a fuse as well. Seen it a couple of times with the same scenario as you mention.

cubegame

I did try rocking it with no effect. And the fuse seems to be ok. I swapped it out for another one to be sure anyway and still nothing.

I guess the next stage is to take a look at the motor.

Ho-hum.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Connect a temporary wire to the starter solenoid, then touch the other end to the battery live terminal...that way you're by passing the ignition circuit and if it tries to turn over you know the feed isn't getting there....but make sure its out of gear.

First thing i'd check though is the battery, earth and main starter connections are clean and secure.

colino

More likely just needs jump start.

Ultrasonic

For the future, get used to always starting a car with the clutch depressed. This is a good idea generally, and means that if you ever do forget a car has been left in gear it won't cause the same problem.

photome

Ultrasonic wrote: »

For the future, get used to always starting a car with the clutch depressed. This is a good idea generally, and means that if you ever do forget a car has been left in gear it won't cause the same problem.

good advice, I always leave my car in gear so have been in that habit for past xxx years, although nowadays some new cars wont even turn over without the clutch depressed

F1F93

colino wrote: »

More likely just needs jump start.

Sorry but this is terrible advice! NEVER jump start a modern engine. You risk frying the ECU.

Instead, charge up the battery (if indeed it is flat).

TrickyWicky

F1F93 wrote: »

Sorry but this is terrible advice! NEVER jump start a modern engine. You risk frying the ECU.

So by that token you can also never swap the battery for a new one too right? - Because the sudden connection / voltage of a nice new battery could also do the same thing?