Turn key nothing apart from a ticking sound

This is an L322 TD6 diesel - does this every few days - we move the lever up and down, tap the key and lock and open the doors - nothing seems to work - then after an hour or so it decides to start. Is it simply a bad connection under where the key is fitted and is it easy to fix. Does a part need replacing. The fear is that one of these days will not start. Has had this problem for a few months and has not started about a dozen times. Really appreciate any help on this one.Thanks

The ignition switches are prone to failing on the switch pack underneath the key barrel.....it sometimes only allows 9v or so through due to failing contacts...this 9v is not enough to fire up the full systems of the car and prevents it starting!

If you can, get a DVM onto the switch output contacts and check voltage.

Thanks for the reply - looks like I need a new ignition switch. Tried looking for one on ebay for some time but unsuccessful - hope I don't have to buy one from a main dealer. Hope they are easy to fit

Have you checked your starter motor? I had similar issue and thought it was the ignition switch (as that is a common fault) turned out it was just the starter motor.

jimwise68 said:

Have you checked your starter motor? I had similar issue and thought it was the ignition switch (as that is a common fault) turned out it was just the starter motor.

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Thanks for that - something else to check and would probably prefer it was this.

Well at least the clocks still working.

Ordered a starter motor.

OLDUN said:

Ordered a starter motor.

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So you traced it to the starter then?

Well no but from what you all say on this thread and my local specialist it is either the starter motor or the ignition switch. Given that it is a 70 mile return drive to the garage and the starter motor is over 10 years old will start with that. If that does not solve the problem then it is the ignition switch but I must admit could not find a replacement online. Probably no harm in replacing the starter motor given that the vehicle will be with us a further 4 or 5 years at least and of course it could be the problem!!!.

You might get lucky with the ignition switch and a squirt of electrical cleaner to clean it out followed by some graphite lube spray might do the trick.

We're all assuming your battery is in good shape of course, after the winter and all. Because if its just a low charge..

Grrrrrr said:

You might get lucky with the ignition switch and a squirt of electrical cleaner to clean it out followed by some graphite lube spray might do the trick.

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Sound advise and the battery is one year old thanks.

It was the starter motor - replacement £79 - the L322 has been cheap motoring for nearly 6 years. Apart from a set of tyres, a set of windscreen wiper blades, a set of brake pads and some servicing all ok in 58,000 miles. Well cheap if not counting depreciation which is getting less per year the longer we keep it.

Spoke too soon - after a dozen or so starts after fitting new starter motor it has done it again - grrr.

try cranking on the starter while wiggling the gear selector & if it fires up.

Rick-the-Pick said:

try cranking on the starter while wiggling the gear selector & if it fires up.

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Thanks - it does start eventually after many many various attempts but not figured why - is it as said before then the ignition switch?.

Hi there,

Have read through the above posts and have the same issue. Did you get a solution to the non-start?

I stripped the ignition switch but found everything in order. Haven't been under the car yet to test the starter as have been unwell but thought I would check with you first.

Did wiggling the gear shift work?

Tricky.