Starter issue

[nuc1]

When attempting to start car, the starter won’t engage the flywheel. Starter always actuates when key taken to start. No clicking. Battery is maintained on tender and is about 12.7V with car off Am I right this is something internal to the starter and cannot be fixed (must replace entire starter).
And is Valeo still the way to go for starters?



Mike

[bigjae46]

Yes, valeo is typically better. I'd replace the voltage regulator on the rebuild...or at least check it.

crap…was thinking alternator. Valeo is still the better choice. You can try replacing the solenoid but I don’t think you save very much.

[zzyzx85]

it's probably easier to just replace the entire starter rather than repair it (I'm tempted to crack open my old one to have a looksee.)

If you really needed to use your car, tap on the cast part of the starter casing with a hammer and it might temporarily resolve the issue. it worked for me until I could get the proper tool to get the starter bolts out.

Having replaced mine last week, I found rockauto.com sells new Valeo starters for our cars for $172. after tax and shipping it came out just over $200. not bad for a OE part.

[nuc1]

Thanks all for the info. Looks like the M is parked for a bit....


Mike

[sapote]

When attempting to start car, the starter won’t engage the flywheel.
Mike

This alone is not enough to say it's a bad starter. What if the EWS doesn't provide 12v to the starter solenoid for some reasons?

[nuc1]

This alone is not enough to say it's a bad starter. What if the EWS doesn't provide 12v to the starter solenoid for some reasons?

Not sure this is plausible. I've had the same HP DME since 2012ish running CSL software. No changes on my end wrt DME or software.

Mike

[sapote]

Not sure this is plausible. I've had the same HP DME since 2012ish running CSL software. No changes on my end wrt DME or software.

Mike

There are many components in between from the key/ignition lock to the starter; anything in between can go bad. At least I would pull the EWS module and check pin1 for 12v while key turned to START.