STARTER MOTOR PROBLEMS

[rusty spokes]

Hi All, i have a 1.9 DG and can't start it unless i put it in 1st and 'bump it' to life. What could be the problem here? Bus runs fine once it starts. Thanks for any advice in advance

[maxstu]

Likely need more information to give an opinion.. so relay to forum the following...
Battery condition and charging?
Starter cranking?
Earth strap condition?
Ignition switch?
And many more variables to consider before you get a reply.

[rusty spokes]

Ok, cheers...i'm not mechanically minded and hope that doesn't put people off either lol
battery is new (less than 6 months old)
cranking is good
earth strap is in good condition
ignition switch is buggered so someone fitted a 'launch control' button bypassing the solenoid(?) a while back

[937carrera]

Hmmm, someone's been messin

I would remove the "launch control" button, fix the ignition switch, make sure the voltage being delivered to the starter is up to spec and measure the voltage at the coil.

I suspect that there is no / low voltage at the coil when attempting to start the van. Easy thing to check if you have a multimeter, or can borrow one.

[rusty spokes]

Ok thanks 937carrera. What reading should i get from the starter and coil when i get the multimeter? And why should bumping it make it work? I appreciate any explanations and do please excuse my technical/mechanical/electrical ignorance...

[937carrera]

Ignition on, terminal 15 / +ve wire off the coil there should be ~12 ish volts at the coil, red probe to the wire, black to a good earth, meter set on something like 20v DC

Ignition on, starter button pressed you should expect to have a slightly lower voltage.

Do that test and post back