Drewman

My car has recently been difficult on starting, turning over really funny, I've had to put my foot on the accelerator to get it going. It sounded like the starter motor so at the weekend I serviced the car and then thought I best change the starter motor.

So I did this and upon starting for the first time it turned once and then clicked, did this several times and then started up. Great.

But I killed the engine then tried to start it again and nothing, not a turn, any clicks, nothing. I left it for a while and came back to it and then it started after a few attempts. Took it for a drive and the battery light was on...sometimes dimming out, also the electrics were slow (eg windows). So I took it to my mate and we took a few voltage readings. 11.7 across the battery, 11.7 on Solenoid live, 10.7 on Solenoid when ignition on.

Tried starting...NOTHING, checked/cleaned the starter earth. NOTHING. Bumped started her to get myself home but lost all power and had to pull over then the engine died. Got towed home, battery reading about 8v.

The battery is now on charge and I'll fit it tomoro and see if its my alternator. What sort of readings should I be getting at the alternator? Should be about 13v at the battery and I take it about the same at the alt when the engines running? Any other hints/tips?

Any help much appreciated.

MK5RST

should be around 13.5 to 14.5 at the alternator when running, sounds very much like an alternator problem mate!

messcortmk6

i got a similar prob, i cant decide if its my battery or starter, cause i hear the soleniod clunk over but the engine dont turn unless i keep trying like 20 times!

but when i drive the car then stop it starts easy till its all cold again, does this sound like starter motor or the battery not holding its charge?

Wardy257

Volt drop the starter, it probably isn't getting enough juice.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

i'd say alternator too!

Lucky i got one for a 1.6 zetec escort sat in me garage if you are interested