Hello,

I have a 1.2 Petrol Stilo (2002) which is experiencing problems starting. This problem got progressively worse over the last few months, always seems to be in the morning, possibly after a cold damp night. First, the typical ASR, ESP, ABS errors would periodically appear, then go away for a few weeks before reappearing. However the car would start and drive fine.

Now however, in the morning, when trying to start the car the starter turns the engine over slowly, and gets slower each time. Sometimes the car eventually fired, but mostly the starter stopped turning the engine after 4 or 5 attempts. I haven't noticed the dash dim during this.

Jumping the car got it started, as did a battery recharge. Once the engine has been started once, it seems OK for the rest of the day.

I read through the forums which indicated problems starting Stilos related to low battery voltage (also causing the dashboard errors), and suggestions to replace the battery with a new heavy duty one. I purchased a new battery last week, and from the recommendations I went for a more powerful battery for the diesel model. 63ah I believe. This 'seemed' to help for a few days, though the first start in the morning was still more sluggish. Then, sometime last week was unable to start with the same problem again.

So, the problem remains. Even after a lot of reliable driving over the weekend (some 50 mile round trips each day, plus normal stop/starts), I was unable to start it this morning. The engine turned over very slowly and required a jump. It was not particularly cold last night, and seemed fairly dry. I got the usual ASR, ESP and ABS errors.

It had an MOT last week, and I asked them to check the (new) battery, and check if anything was drawing on the battery when the car was not in use. They told me the battery was good, alternator was charging it well, and that there was only minimal draw on the battery which would be expected.

As a result of other suggestions here, I checked the D4 connector which seemed dry with clean pins. Engine Fusebox seemed in reasonable condition, dry with no noticeable corrosion. I do not get a loose connection warning.

This week I hope to give the car a general service, including new oil + oil filter, air filter and spark plugs. While at it, I'll check the battery connections and check for any corrosion, and I'll try giving all the contacts a scrub with a wirebrush anyway. Any suggestions where I can check?

Does anyone have any other suggestions for me to try? This isn't a problem every morning, though the first start is always more sluggish.

Thanks,

check the connection to the battery, and apply some grease.
my inlaws doblo did have the same issue and it worked out the -ve connection wasnt flush so the car wasnt making a good connection, the grease and new bolts (the old ones were rounded) and the car was good to go again - touch wood its been fine for the last 6 months since.

it might be worth just checking your connections on the starter or even the starter a good auto elec would do it for you if you were up here i could get it checked for you