Is my starter motor knackered?

[~posy~]

I know nothing about cars other than to drive one! Lol!
When I got into my Astra estate 1.3 CDTi this afternoon, it wouldn't start. The lights on the dash all come on but once I turn the key it makes a faint click sound and everything dies and nothing happens, the engine doesn't make a sound. I have turned the car headlights on and they seem as bright as normal and if it was the battery, then I would have thought they would have been faded?
Does anyone know if it is likely to be the starter motor? Or could it be something else? And also any ideas on price to have it repaired.
Any advice is gratefully appreciated.
xXx

[237SJ]

Sounds like it. Or it could be the starter solenoid

[oranger]

Sounds like a flat battery to me.

[McMouse]

It sounds like the starter motor is jammed in an engaged position on the flywheel. In the old days I used to leave the ignition off, engage reverse gear and release handbrake. Get behind car and rock it forward and back a few times. This would usually cause the starter to disengage. Then try starting the car normally. Good luck.

[Toureman]

First thing to check are the battery and starter connections, cheap and easy to fix, if any of these are loose you would get those symptoms.

The power would get through to lights OK but the huge power the starter needs would not, the click you hear is the solenoid trying to make the starter work..

[~posy~]

Thankyou for your speedy replies!
I will get the other half to try that when he gets home, McMouse!

[jake-the-peg]

Battery I'd say - enough power to run the lights but not enough to turn over in this very cold weather.

Easy way to find out is to get some jump leads and a friend and try to jump the car.

Don't worry it's easy

http://www.carbasics....how_to_jump_start.htm

If it starts it'll be your battery

[~posy~]

Sorry, Toureman, your answer was not there when I posted. Thankyou also x

[sammmo]

It could still be your battery ,, or the connection to your starter motor.. have you tried bump starting it ? or do you know anyone with a set of jump leads? ask an electrician to check your battery if thats ok it could be your starter.. if your strapped for cash you could get on from the local breakers yard for about £30 and anyone could fit it in a hour so its not to expensive

[~posy~]

Thankyou Jake-the-Peg.

[~posy~]

Thankyou too, Sammmo

[AlBags]

I should think it's a cell in battery gone down overnight.
If it jump starts ok .. change battery.
If you put ignition on and watch lights when operating full beam and blower full speed .. if they dim and fade quickly .. that is definitely battery.

[AlBags]

Starter would be exchange (best price) at local auto-electrical place.
Go to dealer for one to your cost : )

[~posy~]

Hi, Albags. When I put the key in the ignition all lights, blowers etc are on and stay on, no dimming etc.
Thanks for advice re starter, will bear that in mind.

[~posy~]

Looks like it my have been the battery after all! Jump started it this morning and it drove to town and back (approx 10 miles) no problem. Just hope it starts ok when it's time for the school run this afternoon.

[AlBags]

Are you sure you didn't leave something on when it went flat?
It still could be either. A possibility when really cold is the solenoid/shuttle in starter sticking.

[~posy~]

Positive. The car beeps when something is left on and won't lock.
But car is still knackered, when I tried to start it yesterday afternoon I got nothing, no lights or anything. It is in the garage today so hopefully it is something simple and not expensive! x

[Hopkirk]

Bump start the car Sammmo? No! Not if it has a catalytic converter, as you could knacker it.