2.4 TDCI will not turn over

When I turn the key, the lights come on as usual, but the engine doesn't turn, there's nothing. Last night when I started it, it made a strange noise, now this morning there nothing when I turn the key - apart from the lights. Any thoughts, cheers?

It'd start with the starter motor - is there any juice getting through to it? In mine (which is a TD5 so may differ from yours) there's a small wire attached to the starter with a spade connector that actuates the solenoid. Sometimes this needs a wiggle. Has the starter pinion got hung up on the flywheel teeth? Sometimes a sharp tap with a hammer can free it. Can the engine be turned with spanner on the crankshaft pulley? Just to make sure it hasn't seized or (in one case I remember) a leaking injector has filled a cylinder with diesel so the engine won't turn. That's a few things i'd be looking at to begin with.

From what I read in the Haynes manual and online, I thinking it's the solenoid. Next step is to figure out what that is, and where it is.

Did find something interesting lying besides the battery!

First thing to check is the battery voltage. 12.7 volts is healthy, 12.5 partly discharged but good enough to start, 12 volts or lower will do what yours is doing (nothing). If that is the problem read the section in your Haynes on battery disconnection for charging and re-synchronising the fob after reconnecting.

12.76, so not the battery :-/

Mr Freedom said:

12.76, so not the battery :-/

Click to expand...

Thats a good start anyway. Next thing I would check is the key fob battery. Do read up in yer Haynes first so as not to immobilise the car.

Do the dash lights dim when you turn the key?
Do you hear a click at all?
Do you know where the solenoid is?
Have you got a pair of insulated pliers to short across the solenoid terminals?
Is the spade on the end of the white bit of wire with a red trace connected to the solenoid relay?

Do the dash lights dim when you turn the key?
No

Do you hear a click at all?
No

Do you know where the solenoid is?
Yes, but it is not accessible, I don't have the equipment to safely raise the vehicle and get under it.

Have you got a pair of insulated pliers to short across the solenoid terminals?
I could probale borrow some if cannot find any here.

Is the spade on the end of the white bit of wire with a red trace connected to the solenoid relay?
As far as I can see, its connected as it should be - nothing appears to be hanging off.


I think I'm going to have to get it towed away, how depressing! Thanks for responses.

I can't believe this! Last night I took the fob off the key ring a put it in the little shelf next to the steering wheel. Because I kept accidentally turning the alarm on when collecting kids from school. I had no flipping idea that the fob was communicating with the ignition and had to be with the key. The fob and key are reunited and I'm back in business. Many thanks, once again, for your help, specially you
Wimblowdriver. I'm very happy, even if feeling ridiculous ...

It's always nice to heasr that someone has managed to get their problems sorted ... even if you feel a bit of a dipstick when it turns out to be something so obvious that it often gets overlooked!
I have spent may years learning and being a complete pillock at times.

Attachment shows the bit which communicates with the fob. Fob needs to be on the key to communicate.