My old Xantia has always started without any problems and still does but now occasionally there is a grating noise after the car has started. Now normally I could talk to a mechanic about this but unfortunately the language is a real problem. It is sporadic. At the moment I turn the ignition on very carefully to avoid damaging the starter motor. Is this likely to be a starter motor problem or a fault in the ignition or could it be either?
Put everything you need to say into Deepl and take the French with you. It’s a good way to learn.
I dont know if the xantia has a pre engaged starter which is most likely in a modern engine, sometimes these just stick on the bendix. It could be damaged or just stuck,difficult to tell just by the description. The starter motor will need to be removed and inspected.
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Maybe it would be cheaper just to have the starter replaced about €90 euros I think. I have tried to find the french for grating noise but as yet not too successful
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Could be either a sticky ignition / starter switch, or more likely the starter motor failing to disengage after the engine has started which in turn could be either the solenoid or the bendix mechanism.
Spray some WD40 into the ignition switch, and then if you still have the problem after operating the switch several times with the battery disconnected, it’s the starter motor where the problem most probably lies.
It is possible to have the starter motor reconditioned, but with the time and expense that would require, personally I would opt for fitting a new one.
Don’t live with the problem for too long as the grating noise is an indication that the ring gear with which the starter motor engages is being damaged, and that is a much more expensive problem to fix.
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Thanks for that detailed explanation. Much appreciated as I like to know how things work even though I can’t fix the problem myself. I’ve booked the car in for a new starter but I 'll try the WD-40 just in case. It might save me €300 !
Ooh no! It goes very sticky after a time and traps dust etc. Much better to use lock lubricant - powdered graphite or silicone - from any locksmith or Norauto etc
You can get it in aerosol form, which might be more useful
So WD40 is not graphite then?
WD40 the brand do sell a graphite lubricant (graphite is a silvery grey powder, essentially ground-up pencil lead) but what most people think of as WD40 is a clear water-repelling fluid.
Hum. I find it a terribly useful substance and used it ongoing for locks without problems for years thinking it was graphite. But wondering if I should stop now.
Trouble is, the 3in1 lock stuff actually felt like it would attract more dirt than the WD40.
WD40 also does a really good bike chain lubricant too. I’ve been surprised by how good it’s been at lubricating and yet not catching much dust. Although it may just suit the North 46 climate and roads round here.
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Yes thats graphite, please dont do what a colleague did, he cut the to of the nozzle (its meant to be tiny hole) squirted it into his ignition lock and completely filled it jamming the mechanism. It was my bottle which annoyed me a bit.
presumably the garage will check the vehicle first, to ensure that it is, indeed, the Starter which is causing problems… ???..
Let’s hope so Anyway I’m pretty sure it’s the starter not a sticky ignition as if I’m careful I’m able to turn the ignition off before the grating noise starts