Can Someone Point To Where The Starter Motor Is

[CraigoT]

as above can someone point to where the starter motor is as the garage wants a lot of £ to tow me and id like to save money so iv been told the solenoids sticking and i can get it going with a tap of a rubber mallet

its a signum 2.0T 2003 if that matters
Craigo









sorry about the pictures i just had to run out and use my phone and its cold out tonight

[Handyandy-UK]

Well as it has to spin the flywheel I would imagine it's one of the 2 'classic' positions.... looking end on as if the front right wheel wasn't there, either rear or front of the block. So I'd belooking above the level of the sump and probably in the front of the block as it might be slightly cooler than under the exhaust manifold.

[moorlander]

yes im pretty sure its in "front" on the block, but not 100%!

[CraigoT]

ok thanks for the quick reply il have to get out in the morning and try start it up
Craigo

[Handyandy-UK]

If you don't have the ability to 'tap' the solenoid, you might be able to 'flick' the key repeatedly to sock the solenoid free..... assuming of course that's what's actually wrong.

[benny]

its under the oil filter houseing / inlet manifold ....look at that poss from the underside ...

[luke4487]

As said its quite easy to find. I know nothing about your specific engine etc etc but it spins the fly wheel...

So on that note your looking for the clutch housing which is around the join of the engine block to the gearbox. Best bet is to get underneath the car, find that join where the shape changes from your squarer block to a probably sloped/rounder and narrowing gearbox and follow around that seam with a torch.

Your looking for a a fairly big cylinder sticking out with some heavy duty wires going to it There will probably be a rounder mould on the engine block/gearbox housing where it connects into as obviously there needs to be a hollow for the teeth that would drive the fly wheel.

Its the same on pretty much every engine, just beware that it can be pretty much anywhere. I think some are even mounted at the top of the gearbox lol! (but usually up one of the sides)

[luke4487]

Oh and tapping the starter motor isn't guaranteed to work. On an old starter motor it was a lot more likely to be something mechanical jammed up that needs freeing off. Modern ones are much more complex electronically, and its very rare that tapping it with a hammer will free anything up as its usually something burning/burnt out.

If you haven't definately diagnosed it yet, as it could be the battery I would check:

1. When you turn the key is it trying to start? A clicking would be classed as a 'trying' but really you are after a slow turn over

2. If its clicking, check the battery voltage. If its low, get some jump leads and see if it starts. If it does, obviously the starter motor is fine and it is either the battery (and/or) the alternator (you would need to check the voltage on the battery when the engine is running to see if its giving you 14v i.e. charging)

3. If you don't have the multimeter and jump leads to hand to do it the proper way another pretty accurate way to get a good idea on if the starter motor is engaging is a push start. If your vehicles moving with the ignition on and in gear and you drop that clutch and the car doesn't go into jump mode (and hopefully start)... you almost certainly have a knackered starter motor.

[CraigoT]

i had a go at jump starting and it didnt work when i turn the key it clicks and it sounds like a little whine comes from the engine for a few seconds then stops

[vectraturbocal]

having the same problem just started the car turned it off then went to start it again and it wont start