Starting Problems

[maxi_77]

More and more frequently our Freda is reluctant to start. The starter will not turn, it is not jammed or a low battery because the lights etc do not dim. A couple of movements of the auto gear lever through neutral and back to park seems to clear the problem and the starter turns. It seems to be a problem with the gear change interlock.

Any hints as to what to do to resolve this problem

[dandywarhol]

do a search for starter motor contacts - you can get a set cheaper than replacing the motor

[mikeonb4c]

Dandy - do you is a there a possibility that it is the safety switch that is linked to the gear lever? Do I vaguely remember someone else having a problem like this recently?

maxi_77 - have a good search on here as both these possibilities have I think been discussed. Provided the engine is firing quickly once the starter motor turns, it doesn't sound like this is going to be a major problem to fix once the cause has been ID'd

[dandywarhol]

When my starter contacts were on their last legs, flicking up and down the inhibitor switch on the gear lever helped for a short time - then the problem got worse so it was time to change the contacts. I only went for the contact kit - not the plunger as well - it cleaned up just fine - about a fiver sorted the problem out from memory - that was about 18 months ago

[dave_aber]

someone else having a problem like this recently?

IIRC the OP who had this issue recently found that it was indeed the solenoid contacts - he put the interaction with the interlock down to a red herring. Sounds from Dandy's comment that this isn't a one-off where 'exercising' the interlock can help in the short term. Don't know why it would help, but clearly it can.

[maxi_77]

Thanks for the comments on the starter motor contacts took it apart at the weekend and they were worn and dirty. New contacts ordered.

Thanks again to all