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Started by alexk, April 03, 2015, 12:39:36 PM

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April 03, 2015, 12:39:36 PM
Another Easter misadventure for our mk1 galaxy (don't even ask me about last year!).
Wouldn't start this morning even though nothing seemed to be left on. Tried jumping from another car to no avail. Got the multimeter and it showed 12.6v. The wipers seemed to operate at normal speed. When the ignition is turned there is just a single click from the engine and nothing else. The wife said that it initially turned over very slowly this morning before dying altogether. Could it be the starter motor? I guess I could try putting a fresh battery in first to rule that out but is there a way to test the starter? Btw is it located low down just behind the radiator? Thanks and happy Easter
April 03, 2015, 12:55:58 PM #1
Turning over slowly then dying altogether sounds like a flat or duff battery, you say with a multimeter it's showing 12.6 volts can you repeat that while attempting to start the car to see what it reads then.

When you tried jump starting is the other vehicle a diesel or petrol, thinking a small petrol battery will not have the power to start a diesel galaxy, another factor is the quality of the jump leads!
2016 Vauxhall Insignia Elite Nav in White 2.0CDTI Manual.
2023 VW Transporter T6.1 SE In Silver 2.9TDI 150PS. 7 Speed DSG Wheelchair accessible day vehicle.


With VCDS lite (full version) need a code clearing or want to scan for faults in the north kent area, PM me. All for a pint of Strongbow.
April 03, 2015, 01:08:48 PM #2
Was using a 2litre diesel for the other car alright but as you said the leads might be duff (they're pretty old). Already asked the wife to get new leads while she's out and I'll try that test on the battery when she gets back. What would you be looking for when the battery's trying to start the motor?
April 03, 2015, 02:00:03 PM #3 Last Edit: April 03, 2015, 02:05:54 PM by Stumuzz
About 5 months ago my gal wouldn't start one morning. called out breakdown guy. Battery was only a few weeks old. He started it with his jump leads, he also tested my alternator which was ok.
It wasn't until last sunday that my battery died driving home. it turned out to be the auxillary fuse box causing the problem.

Stuart.

edit...Thinking about it there were other signs... after driving and it up to temperture is was sometimes a pig to start back up.
The more I learn makes me realise how little I know.
April 03, 2015, 02:07:30 PM #4
A battery in good condition and fully charged not below10.5 - 11 volts when cranking.
2016 Vauxhall Insignia Elite Nav in White 2.0CDTI Manual.
2023 VW Transporter T6.1 SE In Silver 2.9TDI 150PS. 7 Speed DSG Wheelchair accessible day vehicle.


With VCDS lite (full version) need a code clearing or want to scan for faults in the north kent area, PM me. All for a pint of Strongbow.
April 03, 2015, 03:50:33 PM #5
Ok, got new heavy duty cables and still no joy. Also put battery from other diesel onto galaxy and same symptom (just a small click).  So I'm thinking maybe starter motor? Could it be anything else? On another car I used to tap the starter casing while someone else cranked and that would loosen the brushes enough to start it. Would this possibly work here?
April 03, 2015, 03:55:35 PM #6
Is the click from the starter or from the fuse/relays in the car

Check wiring connections on the starter and earth connections while giving the starter a whack.
2016 Vauxhall Insignia Elite Nav in White 2.0CDTI Manual.
2023 VW Transporter T6.1 SE In Silver 2.9TDI 150PS. 7 Speed DSG Wheelchair accessible day vehicle.


With VCDS lite (full version) need a code clearing or want to scan for faults in the north kent area, PM me. All for a pint of Strongbow.
April 03, 2015, 06:28:03 PM #7
Right,  I think I can definitively point the finger at the starter. Got someone else to turn the key and looked underneath at the starter while thumping it with a wheel brace. Through a small hole in the outer casing I could see spark as the engine feebly tried to start then black smoke. At which point I stopped.  Going to have to try and source a 2nd hand starter now or get the old one fixed if it's not gone too far. Thanks for listening guys.
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