Thread: TD5 delay in starting

I'm going to vote for the solenoid on the starter.

I had same problem/symptoms in my TDi300. The solenoid had arc-ed a lot and burnt the contacts. Would start quite happily for weeks at a time, and then go dead, requiring a bit of jiggling with the key to convince it that it really did want to work. Eventually got bad enough to leave me doing roll-starts only.

Got the whole lot refurbished for about $100, and it even came back a nice glossy black

Originally Posted by spudboy

I'm going to vote for the solenoid on the starter.

I had same problem/symptoms in my TDi300. The solenoid had arc-ed a lot and burnt the contacts. Would start quite happily for weeks at a time, and then go dead, requiring a bit of jiggling with the key to convince it that it really did want to work. Eventually got bad enough to leave me doing roll-starts only.

Got the whole lot refurbished for about $100, and it even came back a nice glossy black

smae story for me but i was up for a completely new starter....

Originally Posted by Tusker

Periodically there's a delay before turning over by a second or so. Not much, but its noticable and variable.

It did fail to start once, on a motel forecourt. Turnning off & on fixed that.

Just 5 yrs of mud & sundry amphibious life forms in the starter? Anything else to check / replace?

TIA
Max P

Hi Max, there is a solenoid contact kit you can get for about $30 - new plunger and contacts from any larger auto electrical suppliers. I have had 2 TD5 starter motor failures over the years, one was fixed by this kit and in the other needed a whole new solenoid which is not sold as a separate part for this starter - so a replacement starter. Price of a new starter ranges from $500 to $1200.

Also, they are a bit difficult to remove - a couple of hints if doing it yourself. To remove the TD5 starter you need the correct length socket extension and also all 3 fixing screws / nuts are not the same size - the top one which is difficult to see is different - I can't remember the sizes.

Originally Posted by Tusker

Periodically there's a delay before turning over by a second or so. Not much, but its noticable and variable.

It did fail to start once, on a motel forecourt. Turnning off & on fixed that.

Just 5 yrs of mud & sundry amphibious life forms in the starter? Anything else to check / replace?

TIA
Max P

If you turn the car to the on position and leave for a second or 2 does it crank straight away?

If I turn the key to crank quickly, it waits, then cranks : i.e. a pause after the key is turned fully and starter engaging.

I don't think it is a starter motor issue it might be due to the ECU still carrying out its checks and doesn't want to be rushed.

Danny

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

I don't think it is a starter motor issue it might be due to the ECU still carrying out its checks and doesn't want to be rushed.

Danny

correct,
noticed mine does it as well,sometimes& only for a second max.i dont recon it is anything to worry about

Just clean the contact surfaces up first. mine had the plunger distorted on the contact face , just bent it back into shape with the aid of a socket all been good so far absolute cow of a thing to get out .

I had same problems and replaced the contacts, which cured it for a while. Then it started again and would turn over but not "fire". After a post on here and the replies i went to an auto-electrician and after proper testing a new motor was on the cards. The worn internals of the starter will send confusing signals to the ecu and that will mess with everything else - so yes contacts are a possibility, but have it checked out properly as well. My regular mechanic later told me that when it comes time to change the contacts, he normally fit another motor as the rest won't be too far from failing anyway....
Obviously terms and conditions apply - depends on your driving style/venues (rivers, mud bogs, etc)
As Scarry and Danny said, leave the ecu to complete it's tests before firing up

Does the "wait, dont rush me" thing apply to the V8?

mine has a think about it most times--