I have a normally reliable 2009 tdci Fiesta which is not starting. It out of the blue did not start. I checked the lights and they were all ok including the internal lights. On turning the ignition the normal lights on the dash came on and when I tried to start nothing, no click of the starter motor nothing. I have tried with a booster battery charger and jump leads with the same outcome. After this incident about an hour later the car started as per normal. I ran it for a while, turned off the ignition turned it back on again and the car started. Waited about an hour then nothing when trying to restart. Any ideas please on probable cause. Thank you

Edited December 22, 2025Dec 22 by charliedog
changed wording

23 minutes ago, charliedog said:

I have a normally reliable 2009 tdci Fiesta which is not starting. It out of the blue did not start. I checked the lights and they were all ok including the internal lights. On turning the ignition the normal lights on the dash came on and when I tried to start nothing, no click of the starter motor nothing. I have tried with a booster battery charger and jump leads with the same outcome. After this incident about an hour later the car started as per normal. I ran it for a while, turned off the ignition turned it back on again and the car started. Waited about an hour then nothing when trying to restart. Any ideas please on probable cause. Thank you

Possible starter motor is clutching to life if you have a multimeter test it when it's running should be between 300-500 battery even though lights are coming on should read about 12v can be lower n still seem good but not be.

Check all heavy duty connections and Earth straps?
If OK then check that starter motor is getting a signal on the thin solenoid wire?

Thank you for your helpful comments. Had breakdown out who diagnosed the solonoid had jammed. Had tow which started the car. Ran the car for a while, stopped and could not restart. Starter motor solonoid jammed again. No option other than repair or replace. 

Can they be repaired? If yes, does anyone know the procedure and what can be done to repair the sticking solonoid.

Charliedog

 

 

Well this is an interesting "Guide" 🤔

Maybe it will be if it helps owners

I think he means it's in the wrong place and we do love a tidy forum!
Can posts not be moved to the correct area by Mods to maintain that?

There used to be "back street" rebuilders who would repair but as the hassle of removing and risk of further failures may be high, a quality rebuilt or new one would be my suggestion.

It would help if there was an easy way for newbies to be able to easily navigate to the most relevant section to post. Maybe an Alphabetical system would help. The sarcastic comments of more experienced members does not help. Thank you again dogsbody.