325i (no response from starter)

[ZimmerBell]

So I've been having intermittent starting issues now for a could of weeks, sometimes I'd have no response at all from the starter motor when i tried to turn over and i'd have to bump it but then the next time i tried to start it was fine.

Anyway the other day at ASDA the starter gave up completely half way through turning over and now won't start at all. Most of the time the starter is whuring but not turning over the engine and the rest of the time it's just not responding at all. Also when the starter is whuring a small puff of smoke seems so come from the + battery strap.

I then began to start troubleshooting in every way that I knew of as I know starters on these cars refuse to fail and it was most probably a wiring issue.

I first checked the earth strap attached to the top of the oil pan. It was corroded slightly but when I by-passed it with a jump cable I still had no response.

Next I checked the battery, I DC'ed it and connected my 325's + and - battery straps to jump cables and hooked them up to my mum's celica battery. While my mum's celica was not running i tried to turn my 325 over and it did turn over but very slowly, not quick enough to start. I then started up the celica and tried my 325 again and it started as it normally would.

So I can safely say that there is either a wiring issue or I have a toasted battery. Although I have a feeling that it's the former.

Im going to take it to my local electronics specialist tomorrow and see what they can find but just knowing that its not a f**ked starter or flywheel means I can sleep easy tonight .

Although if anybody has any suggestions that might help it would be much appreciated?

[votivequagmire]

If there's a little wisp of smoke then it suggests that it may be arcing. The starter needs a great deal of current to turn the car over so I would start by taking off the battery terminal clamps and clean up the terminals and the inside face of the clamp with fine sandpaper. then remove any residue or bits. While the connectors are off to the battery, remove the positive lead from the starter motor solenoid and clean the connector end up with sandpaper and also the washer. If possible get a small wire brush and give the terminal a clean up. Also if applicable clean up the spade connector . With the earth strap , ensure there is no oil or paint between the surfaces.
Once you're happy that all connections are sound, reconnect the battery, tapping the clamps down a little if the terminals are tapered. Then see if she wants to start.

[Brianmoooore]

As above, but don't use sand paper! Bits of the grit end up embedded in the metal, especially the soft metal of the terminals on the battery.
Always clean up electrical terminals with a steel wire brush or file for the bigger ones, and a brass wire brush or fibreglass propelling pencil for the smaller stuff.

[ZimmerBell]

Cheers guys, turned out my battery was just toasted thank god, 65 pound later and were off and running again