Ignition Clicks but Engine Won't Turn

[Stagless Steve]

When I come to start my Stag sometimes all I get is a click. No turning of the starter motor or engine, just a click. So I turn the key back and try again – click. This keeps happening until eventually, after numerous attempts, the engine turns over and starts. I don’t think the battery is the problem because there is none of the slow laboured turning of the engine that you normally get with a flat battery, it's all or nothing and when the engine does turnover it turns normally and fires up without a problem.

I’ve tried searching the forum but couldn’t find anything on this. Does anyone know what causes the click and how to resolve it please?

Steve

[KOY 23]

The problem is there is not enough current to pull the starter solenoid in to power the starter. Mine used to do this when battery was a bit low. Check all connectors in starter solenoid feed, white/red wire, especially the connector plug near the bell housing. A new starter motor, ignition switch or inhibitor switch may resolve but the cheap and easy cure is a relay in the starter solenoid feed.

[V Mad]

If your car is an auto, it may be a problem with the inhibitor switch. Sometimes rattling the gear lever back and forth can clear it.

[marshman]

If your car is an auto, it may be a problem with the inhibitor switch. Sometimes rattling the gear lever back and forth can clear it.

AFAIK although the inhibitor switch can add to the resistance in the circuit and make the problem worse usually if the problem is with the inhibitor switch then you get no click at all - at least that is what used to happen with mine, working the selector back and forth between neutral and park a few times temporarily used to cure this.

Roger

[LAMBRETTLAD]

A check of the engine to earth straps may be worth while

[Stagless Steve]

the cheap and easy cure is a relay in the starter solenoid feed.

Thanks for the advice. I don't suppose you have a wiring diagram that you could post a copy of by any chance?
Steve

[Stagless Steve]

A check of the engine to earth straps may be worth while

Thanks. I'll take a look.
Steve

[KOY 23]

Steve.
I'll talk you through it. You will need a 30/40amp 4 pin relay, 20 amp cable, appropriate terminals, heat shrink sleeving and soldering kit. Relay should be mounted underbonnet in the dry area and wires should run in an additional protective sleeve, cable tied securely away from the exhaust.

Disconnect white/red wire from starter and connect to relay terminal 86.
Connect wire from now vacant tag on starter to relay terminal 87.
Connect wire from starter battery feed to relay terminal 30.
Connect an earth wire to relay terminal 85.

If the above looks too difficult get a Wards kit, as I have no idea of your experience.

John.

[milothedog]

Steve.
I'll talk you through it. You will need a 30/40amp 4 pin relay, 20 amp cable, appropriate terminals, heat shrink sleeving and soldering kit. Relay should be mounted underbonnet in the dry area and wires should run in an additional protective sleeve, cable tied securely away from the exhaust.

Disconnect white/red wire from starter and connect to relay terminal 86.

Connect wire from now vacant tag on starter to relay terminal 15.

Connect wire from starter battery feed to relay terminal 30.
Connect an earth wire to relay terminal 85.

If the above looks too difficult get a Wards kit, as I have no idea of your experience.

John.

John, is that pin 15 or 87?

[KOY 23]

Ian.
you are right, not awake yet.
Cant edit post

[milothedog]

Ian.
you are right, not awake yet.
Cant edit post

[Kevin Garrod]

Post edited for you.

[Stagless Steve]

Many thanks to John and everyone else for the info. It sounds fairly straight forward so I will have a look under the bonnet and see if it still makes sense. If not It might be safer to get the Ward kit.
Steve

[apples24]

koy 23

so may i ask whats the advantage of removing the cranking live from the starter and splicing in a relay?

[KOY 23]

To get full power to pull in starter solenoid. Resistance in ignition switch, inhibitor and connections may not energise solenoid fully, so you get the "click nothing" effect.