These cars are sent to test us...

[Ben123]

So I've got a big road-trip to France planned, leaving Friday morning to head South to the ferry.

Last week, A/C stopped working. Looks like the condenser has finally corroded through, got one on order and garage booked on Wednesday.

Did some minor maintenance, the usual spanner checks and the like on Saturday. Took the car out for a short trip today, thought the starter sounded a bit strained when we set off, come to start the car after our day out...just a click, lights dim etc. and nothing else. Bloody starter has gone!!!

Bump start got us going, but does anyone know where the hell I can get a new starter from by Tuesday, so it's ready for the garage to fit on Wednesday??

WHY DO THESE THINGS ALWAYS HAPPEN AT THE WORST TIME!!!

 

[Jamesv6]

Try Paul at RPD

 

[Kett]

I've come to the conclusion that new starter motor needs to be added to every 2nd cam belt service.

Are the new ones improved?? Did Spike find a heavy duty alternative (or was that another component)?

 

[MarkK]

I had a new type starter fitted by Scott at the last cam belt change on the Phase 2 this year, and it transformed the starting of the car. It used to wind-up and crank for a few seconds, and now it starts instantly. The Phase 1 starter used to sound fine, but by comparison, it now sounds quite slow and laboured.

I just had the Phase 1 serviced by Scott, and the only fault was no cold air. Turns out it was the compressor that was knackered, partially seized and smoking! We put it down to lack of use, and of course, the car is now nearly 15 years old. Something to remember when running the car up over winter if it's laid up....run the A/C as well as all the other bits and pieces!!

 

[Ben123]

I agree, seems like a 10-15 year service item, at least the original one. Hopefully the new ones are much improved in terms of construction, and in particular the bonding (or preferably bolting) of the magnets.

Does anyone have exact part numbers (as stated by Renault) for Ph1 and Ph2 versions? I found a whole list of part numbers in a previous thread, but they seemed to be amid of Ph1 and Ph2 (i.e. 1.3kW and 1.5kW)

Ben

 

[Ben123]

Top marks to http://www.startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk

Know their stuff inside out, and have one on the shelf. Will be with me tomorrow.

No connection other than a satisfied customer (so far, we'll see when it arrived )

 

[9810588]

Reading this makes me worried. I already had engine out for timing belt change late last year but didn't put new starter motor in.

Is there any symptom when the starter motor is about to give up? Or it happens all a sudden?

 

[Kett]

Reading this makes me worried. I already had engine out for timing belt change late last year but didn't put new starter motor in.

Is there any symptom when the starter motor is about to give up? Or it happens all a sudden?

Mine was needed a second turn of the ignition key. Lasted about 10 start ups when those symptoms developed - then no response after complete failure.

 

[roma]

Do not wont to jinx my self as im of to Scotland in it friday but mines done 95,000 and still fine.

 

[Ben123]

Reading this makes me worried. I already had engine out for timing belt change late last year but didn't put new starter motor in.

Is there any symptom when the starter motor is about to give up? Or it happens all a sudden?

Like Kett's, mine started to sound laboured, like the battery was flat or in bad condition (though I knew battery was fine). Likewise lasted about 8-10 key turns from that point until it gave up the ghost.

 

[Brett]

If, like many motor factors, they supply you with the wrong part even though they say they have one let me know. I'm pretty sure I have a few brand new ones along with a/c pumps etc.

 

[GPH]

Hope it all works out Ben ready for Friday. My phase 2 starter lasted 8 years and only 17,129 miles. Hopefully the new one will last longer.
Perfect time to go on a road trip to France as all the Frenchies are back in Paris at work. I usually go down to the South in September but not this year. Where are you going?

 

[Ben123]

Thanks for comments and advice guys.

Replacement starter motor turned up, looks right in terms of fixings/dimensions etc.

Fingers crossed all gets fitted without issue tomorrow, then here we come francais!

 

[jps]

Got my fingers crossed for you today Ben! Sods law something like this happens before a big trip. But better to happen here rather than in France eh! Driving the Vee through France will be incredible. I've driven my Corsa VXR Nurburgring over a few times and it's just so fun, can really open the car up over there. Lucky boy!

 

[Ben123]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions guys. Looking a bit touch and go to be honest.....won't know until late tomorrow.

Bit annoying as I specifically asked if they had enough workshop time available to do the starter, otherwise I'd have taken it elsewhere.

Fingers crossed!

 

[Ben123]

The car is back!! New starter motor in, think the garage made a bit of a dogs dinner of going about getting it fitted, complaining of seized bolts which, at least using the guide in the KB, there's not really any need to remove.

Anyway, it's in....2 more coil packs failed literally on the way home. Both Sagem POS, so there's now a full set of Valeo coils in there now. But my 3 spares for the trip is reduced to 1 :s

So pleased I can take the Vee though!