1989 340 - will only turn over sometimes.

[WOZZA-V340-1.4]

Hi Everyone
I wonder if u could point me in the right direction on a problem i am having with my G-Reg 340
when i turn the key, sometimes it starts, and sometimes it doesnt do anything at all. not even turn over.
i think it might be some sort of electrical fault. but i dont even know where to start, checked the obvious eg: battery terminals looked for loose cables.
thats about my limit.
Anyone else had similar problems,any suggestions would be most helpful.

thanks in advance WOZZA

[mchudd]

Hi mate.
Is your lead from your battery to your starter conected properly?
Cheers Mark.

[stu_850t5]

clean any earth's up. body and engine

[TonyS9]

Could also be sticky starter solenoid, the smaller cylinder on the side. Sometimes tapping it will free it up.

Diagnosis -
Sticky solenoid will not click when you turn the key - tapping with wooden base of hammer, or gentlyish with the heavy end should dislodge it. Replace solenoid of complete starter. Scrap ones usually good, although greasing it can help.

Bad earth - usually some other light (dash and headlight) comes on that shouldn't. Also strange things happen when you press the horn. Particularly check the chassis bolt on the -ve strap beside the battery base. Maybe I'm thinking 360, but you get the idea.

Worn out starter/dead battery - Clicks and turns a little. Try new battery first, borrow one for day or something.

Automatic cut out - If you have CVT there is an extra circuit that disables the starter if its in gear.

Other electrical fault - Check you are getting good voltage at the solenoid on the thin wire, from the ignition key. This engages the solenoid, it there is nothing there trace back up to the key switch.