Starter motor fix options

[Ashes]

The solenoid on my 2006 D3 4.0l petrol starter motor is playing up. The car would go a few weeks with no starting problems then have a few days where it would intermittently not even try to turn over (just a click sound).

It was at the dealers yesterday and misbehaved while there and they confirmed the starter was getting a signal but not firing.

Accoring to LTB00051 the solenoid is a servicable/replacable part on these. Part# LR005977. This part is obviously cheaper than a complete starter motor. I would think labour costs would be similar as the starter would need to be removed and refitted in both cases. Probably $200-300 cheaper to replace the solenoid instead of the complete starter motor.

What I'm struggling with is
- replace the complete starter motor and know I have a new and "hopefully" trouble free part at higher cost
- save some $'s and just do the solenoid and risk a 6yo starter motor failing in the next couple of years anyway (not sure how bullet proof these are).

thoughts/opinions...

[bbyer]

I faced the same question a few months back. I payed an independent to replace the LR starter with a non LR rebuilt, (less than half the cost), and then gave the core back. I guess I am not much for fixing.

In your case, it sounds like you might enjoy installing the new solenoid or better yet, just cleaning up the contacts as I gather that does most often solve the problem. Then you would have a spare starter for not much money. In Australia, it sounds like the more spares of whatever you carry with you, the better given the isolation.

[Ashes]

Looks like it is just about dead. Can't get it started today. Just a click every time i turn the ignition. Thought I'd give it some persuasion with the hammer but can't for the life of me even see the starter motor. I know roughly where it is, just can't see it. Any idea how to get to it? Does a engine cover need to be removed?

[jboot51]

If you can work out what breed the solenoid is, maybe replace just the contacts'
something like this,
DENSO STARTER SOLENOID CONTACT KITS B/NEW | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DENSO-STARTER-SOLENOID-CONTACT-KITS-B-NEW-/400190445882)

[Ashes]

I'll go with a new starter. Just need to get the car started so I can get it to the mechanic.

[bbyer]

I do not know about the diesel units, but re seeing the starter for the 4.4L petrol V8, you can feel it, but seeing it is another thing. From underneath, you might see a bit of it and if you have small hands, you may be able to touch it.

If you remove the right front wheel, there is a shiny heat plate that can be removed and again, if you have a small hand, you can reach thru and touch the starter; also it is possible to undo the mounting bolts and power cable stud nut but is mostly done by feel rather than site.

I think the official LR way is to remove the right front plastic inner wheel liner and that will provide a bit more access.

Re the clicking and no turn over, I found that if I charged up the starting battery overnight so it was at peak voltage, (my battery was basically good), that after a few clicks, well quite a few, the starter would function. I think the extra few volts of a fully charged battery would overcome the solenoid problems - just a theory but was about all that made sense to me.

[Ashes]

Petrol v6 is on LH side. Can't see or feel it. If I can't get it started I'll get it towed as a last resort.

[Ashes]

Called the RACV dude this morning
Battery was a low 12.06v. Probably from me trying to start it the last few days. He put the jumper leads on to give it some charge and it would just click.

This might help others in the same situation with a dodgy solenoid.
Turn the ignition on and off rapidly. Go only one click from on (ie. don't turn all the way off). Repeat on/off quite a few times and the solenoid may free up. His explanation if I remember was this burns off deposits on the solenoid. It worked and car is now at the auto sparky for a new starter. Hoping this also solves my HDC faults...