ojbailey

Hey there, I have a 1.3 encore fiesta and I'm having problems with starting the car.
When I turn the ignition nothing happens, lights come on for the battery and oil, standard stuff but when it comes to turning over the engine nothing happens, there's no click with the solenoid, no sounds what so ever apart from a whirring sounds which I'm not too sure what it is but it comes from the back of the car (not a huge car nut obviously) I keep having to bump start it, I think its a sticky solenoid as it happens every now and then and I've charged the battery however its starting to become a major problem for me, really my big question is where on earth is the starter motor so I can hit it with a big wack off hammer, Ive heard its right at the back of the engine but others have told me that is wrong, so just clarification, also any pointers would be good.
Cheers

Thrush

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing the wirring noise is the fuel pump priming. This happens for a couple of seconds when you turn the key to the "on" position right?

If it's not clicking at all when you attempt to turn it over, it sounds like the ignition barrel may have gone. I had an old Fiat Uno years ago this happened on.

The fact you can bump it means you are getting spark, and fuel probably isn't a problem as you can hear the pump priming. So it's either the ignition barrel or the starter motor is my guess

ojbailey

The fuel pump sounds about right actually, yes when I try and turn it on the whirring starts.
Would it be the ignition barrel even if its happening occasionally? I thought that when they go that's it? just as a quick check up, I'm taking it apart tomorrow at work

Thrush

iTrader: (1)

Yeah my Fiat one would work, then not work, then work, then not. Had to keep popping it out and messing with it - constantly looked like I was trying to steal my own car

tabetha

It's most likely a sticky solenoid on the starter, as these are pre engaged starters.
As it's sticky it's most likely a bosch starter, easy way to find it is just follow the main lead down from the battery(live+) as this bolts direct onto the solenoid which is right on the starter itself.
Extremely unlikely on this to be the ignition barrel, on italian cars anything electrical working is a bonus, they really are that crap electric wise.
Starter's easy to identify, cheap and easy to have re-conned or replace it diy.
tabetha