Starter motor click after start

[supra_noodles]

Hi guys,

I recently had an issue with my starter where it would sometimes try to engage before the key was fully in the start position. This is intermittent and even though it would start every time, occasionally the car would start and then start clicking quite loudly every second or so.

I had some starts where it would screech as if it was stuck in the out position too so I have replaced the starter motor with a new one.

The clicking after start is still there intermittently and on one start it tried to engage again before the key was in the fully on position. I also tried a new starter relay but the problem was still there. The only constant in all of this (and it may be the world's best coincidence or nothing at all) is that it doesn't seem to happen when the drivers door is open or at least happens much less frequently to be noticed. The car has a toad alarm and immobiliser in case this has any bearing on the issue. Battery has gone flat once although it has been fully charged since and is only a few months old.

Searching the forum I found similar issues although none close enough to mine and I only started a new thread as I noticed they were quite old threads. Has anyone had similar issues or have any pointers to something I may be missing?

Thanks all,

Eren.

[mattdavies]

Have you checked your main earths from the Engine to the chassis and battery ? If it is an earthing problem then a simple jump lead from the engine block to the battery negative will cure the problem will investigating. 

[Scooter]

ignition switch issue?   so starter gets a start signal despite the key position being back in place? 

 

[Scooter]

https://www.letcherbros.com/2-signs-of-starter-relay-problems

[supra_noodles]

22 hours ago, mattdavies said:

Have you checked your main earths from the Engine to the chassis and battery ? If it is an earthing problem then a simple jump lead from the engine block to the battery negative will cure the problem will investigating. 

Thanks for the reply. Ill double check the earth to rule this out. Thanks for the input and help 

 

11 hours ago, Scooter said:

ignition switch issue?   so starter gets a start signal despite the key position being back in place? 

 

I had thought this. Is the switch part of the barrel or can this be replaced separately? The key is not in the start position when it starts but it does switch off when I turn the key to the off position.

 

11 hours ago, Scooter said:

https://www.letcherbros.com/2-signs-of-starter-relay-problems

Thank you for this, I thought I'd seen this article already but this is more helpful. I bought another relay just in case. It was used however so I'm not sure if that's also bad. I switched back to my original relay after one start as the problem still persisted after changing. Thank you for your help and replies

 

Edited June 22, 2022 by supra_noodles (see edit history)

[Scooter]

It can be replaced yes see the link.

I am absolutely 100% NO electrician, but can you disconnect the start plug and then connect it to a multimeter etc and then just play around with the key in the ignition and look for the (presumably) 12v's. So whatever it sees on the full key turn ie standard start position, see if you can get the same reading at the other key positions, which would suggest a switch fault?