Intermittent Starting Issue - 2001 TD5

Can anyone point me in the right direction with a starting issue?

2001 TD5 Hardtop. I turn the ignition key, and the usual lights come on, all correct, the glow plug light and engine lights go off after a few seconds. I turn to start, I get a 'click' and nothing. This might happen 1-3 times then next try it starts just fine.

I looked at the battery terminals and they were filthy, I good scrub with a wire brush on everything and it then started first time. I thought job done, but no, the problem is the same. I traced the wiring and didn’t find anything loose, but I can only crawl under, don’t have a ramp or anything. It has a new alternator. Could it be starter motor? Just seems odd it, when it starts it starts and runs fine. Any tips?

Did you remove the battery connectors and clean then tighten up , similar issue on daughters Corsa other week with the click , and batt terminal need nipped up

Do you know what the 'click' is ?

It's likely that it is the starter solenoid.
The contacts wear and don't make proper contact so there is not enough current (power) to turn the starter motor/engine over.

Your battery may also be a little flat or you have bad contact with the battery terminals or a bad earth.
If you say what car you have we would be able to advise you where to look for the main earth connections.

All of the above are relatively easy to fix.

starter motor replace! simples.

KISSMYAURA said:

starter motor replace! simples.

Click to expand...

Not everyone has the sort of money you command ....

Aftermarket are around £90
Denso (OEM) are around the £200 mark

Solenoid overhaul kit around £20
Checking all the connections and the earth etc, FREE

Mine did that and left me stranded in Waitrose car park.
If you can try a tow start and see if that helps.
Also a failing starter can affect the cps which means it will turn over a lot before starting and put the eml on.
Solenoid kit did not fix mine, the brushes were shot and the windings (?) full of rust and mud, I bought a Denso for around £130 from Maltings 4x4.
Actually I think you can buy new brushes if you feel like it, they are soldered in place.