Vauxhall Zafira starter motor clicks but doesn't turn over

Norman_Castle

M4rt wrote: »

The RAC came out yesterday and tested the battery and said it was fine.

Did they test the alternator?

M4rt

@TheMoonandBack, the RAC did test and thought it might not be the starter but he dual fly mass wheel (I think that's what they called it) but the mechanic said it wasn't this as the tell tale signs weren't there. Hence posting something here as I'm a little lost!

I've also had the starter motor replaced in the last couple years so not sure it's that either!

agrinnall

M4rt wrote: »

...but the mechanic said it wasn't this as the tell tale signs weren't there.

So what did the mechanic say it was? If they didn't know then take it to somewhere that knows what they're doing.

bartelbe

Check the engine earth straps, I had a similar problem and it turn the earth strap had almost snapped in two.

If it is clicking, it means that there isn't enough power to engage the solenoid. So if aint the battery or the alternator, you must have a dodgy or dirty connection somewhere.

M4rt

@bartelbe thanks, will definitely get that checked out. Just need to find it first 😆

AdrianC

I'm with Bartelbe on this.

The click is the starter solenoid being energised, and pulling in.
That should start the starter spinning.

If it isn't, then there's only a few probable causes...
Mechanical problem - the starter's seizing. You've replaced the starter.
Insufficient current - remember, circuits are circular. The sparks leave the battery and have to get back there. If the live feed is good, then the earth has to be suspect. It could well be transmitting enough current for everything to run, and for the charging to appear good, but not for the starter - which takes a LOT of juice, potentially a couple of hundred amp.

As a quick and dirty test, get a jump lead and place it between the engine block and the battery -ve.

alan_d

It sounds to me that the replacement starter has failed in the same way the previous one went.
Was it 'new' or 'refurbished'? - I've seen several 'refurbished' components that are really just cleaned...
A starter motor is a simple beast - apply power to the solenoid and it should engage and spin.
It sounds like you have engagement but not spinning.
There are only 2 wires - the big high current one (unswitched) and the small one to the solenoid. As it clicks, the smaller one must be OK. (earth is via the engine - so it's earth strap could be an issue also, the suggestion above of a jump lead between the engine and battery negative is sensible)

A quick test with a meter should confirm that the big one has power - and that it doesn't drop (much) when you try to start. No drop suggests faulty motor.
Significant drop suggests bad earth or supply issue (eg, battery, connection etc)

nyermen

Not suggesting you do this - but this used to happen on my old peugeot 205 many years a go.
It was indeed the starter motor itself that was seized. bashing it with a piece of wood (to release it to engage) sorted it a couple of times, but then I changed the starter motor anyway.

As an added point - i had to change it twice under halfords warranty because the reconditioned ones they sold me at the time weren't much better.