300 tdi starting problem

The other day I went out to start the 94 auto disco and turned key lights came on dash and glow plugs but then just a click. Its done this before and I know its a common fault with the loose spade connector on the starter motor.I gave the wire a wriggle and tried again and still nothing then. tried a few more times and still just a click.I left it and latter in the afternoon tried to start it again. It started first time!This morning it did it again so I checked and cleaned battery and earth straps still wouldn,t start.Getting really ****ed off I put it in neutral and let it roll forward about a foot. Tried again and it started! What do you think ? is it a new starter motor needed?

if you have good battery feed and good earths on vehicle and 12v at spade terminal on solenoid when keys turned, i would fit a new one

Thanks James, where is the best place to get one ?.I usually use Paddocks.

Just an update, it was a bad earth. I ran a jump lead from starter direct to battery and it started so I cleaned the earth strap from starter to chassis. It was the chassis mounting that had failed . Happy now as no new parts needed

Well after driving around all week without any problems I came to start this morning , turned the key and click!I have ran a multi-meter from the battery to the spade end that feeds the solenoid and dont seem to have a reading when I turn the ignition. Does this mean I have a ignition switch problem.

the click would indicate starter relay has feed from ignition switch but dont have 12v at solenoid

jamesmartin said:

the click would indicate starter relay has feed from ignition switch but dont have 12v at solenoid

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So it must be the circuit between the starter relay and the solenoid. Is it a common fault?

rollin danny said:

So it must be the circuit between the starter relay and the solenoid. Is it a common fault?

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can be sign of immobiliser fault if injection pump solenoid doesnt get a live too with ingition on

jamesmartin said:

can be sign of immobiliser fault if injection pump solenoid doesnt get a live too with ingition on

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Where is the injection pump solenoid so I can test it for live?. Its a 94 300 tdi auto.

on/under the fuel pump - best off looking for it from the drivers side of the engine bay...

disco147 said:

on/under the fuel pump - best off looking for it from the drivers side of the engine bay...

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Thanks, I think I found it. Is it whats known as fuel stop solenoid? Its got a spade end wire coming off it. I tested that for live and Ive got power there. I also traced the click sound to a yellow solenoid in passenger footwell.I tested it for a circuit and could not get a reading from the green and white wire. I checked the wires on the ignition barrel and they all seemed fine and gave a reading on my meter. Not really sure what to look for now. Ive spent all afternoon on it and it even started once! but when I turned it off and tried to start again ......click

Well I have put a jump lead on negative battery and clamped it on the block but still not attempting to start. So I suppose that rules out bad earth.I then ran a wire from the starter solenoid to the positive on the battery and it started turning over. So nothing wrong with the solenoid or starter. Anyone got any suggestions?. Its not got the spider unit as its a 94 auto.