1.9CDTI Starting Problem..it just clicks once

**Grippy** · 2nd August 2011, 21:13

Hi

I'm after a little advice if possible. My 56 Plate 1.9CDTI (150) Signum went for a service yesterday and all seemed fine. My wife picked it up, had no problems using it all day doing short journeys.

I went to start it this morning and as I turned the key to position 3 it just clicked once and did nothing. It felt like it might be an immobiliser issue so I got out of the car locked and unlocked it tried again...same thing, just a single click coming from the engine bay. I tried a few things (locking and unlocking with key etc) and then in desperation pressed the button to deactivate the internal sensor in the car, turned the key and hey-presto the car starts.

Drove to work (45 mins) without problem. Got back to the car after work and the same problem. After several minutes and trying my new 'trick' it still didn't start. I then locked and unlocked the car using the buttons on the armrest, turned the key and it started.

Got home without incident, turned the engine off and then tried to restart it an nothing except for the click. having been out a few time this evening trying different things it will start occasionally but mostly will just click when I turn the ignition.

Having read the articles I can find it could be a number of things but before I go back to the garage I'd like to see if there are any fixes I can try.

Any help gratefully received.

FYI I am a real novice when dealing with car engines...

Thanks

**tony-1977** · 2nd August 2011, 22:34

Starter relay sticking, by the sound of it

**byebyeitsagsi** · 2nd August 2011, 22:51

Goosed battery.

**tony-1977** · 2nd August 2011, 23:37

Originally Posted by byebyeitsagsi

Goosed battery.

Surely it would not start at all if it was the battery? unless it was jump started when flat?

**Grippy** · 3rd August 2011, 07:15

I'm pretty sure the battery is OK, I travel a good distance every day and it was changed relatively recently.

Any idea which relay is likely to be the culprit?

Thanks for your help!

Gavin

**Grippy** · 4th August 2011, 20:27

Just thought I'd update this just in case anyone finds this on a google search. took it back to the garage and they advised me that it was the Starter Motor. Changed it out, £280 down but I car now working.

Thanks for the advice everyone.