Hi, my 04 1.3 multijet can start first time some days and others it turns over slower and will not start,if i switch the ignition off and on again it will start.Could it be some kind of immobilizer or ignition problem as i have put a new starter and battery on.I can tell straight away when it is not going to start as it turns over slower than usual

Thanks Shaun

Engine Earth strap problem is common on this engine/gearbox the earth mounts low down on the front of the gearbox corrodes and eventually falls off giving the symptom of everything working as it should but just wont start

Thanks Andy

I checked all the earths when i fitted the starter and again when i fitted the new battery and they all were ok

An the petrols its a high resistance in the power lead from starter to + battery terminal causes this issue
the corrosion builds up in the crimped ends so even columbo could miss it

Also take off battery connections clean bright them with dick emery cloth and retighten

Thanks s and b

I will recheck the cables so even Kojak could do no better

Cleaned all the cables again both ends still the same problem

Any other suggestions

Thanks Shaun

its possible the new starter is drawing too much current did starter come from a recognised supplier that might be able to check the draw of it for you

Yeh genuine Fiat about 3 months old

I have also noticed that when it is not going to start as i am turning it over there is a clicking noise coming from the ignition/steering column area.This does not happen when it starts

Any other suggestions Guys ?

If the battery is good and the starter is good then it only leaves connections.

It still sounds like a duff engine earth lead, try using a black jump lead to connect the engine to the negative battery terminal.

I went through all this myself good starter well charged battery, etc etc. the earth had corroded internally so simply cleaning and checking the ends no matter how many times you do it isn't going to fix the problem

Thanks Andy, i will try that but why does it start after i turn the key off and on again

shaun said:

Thanks Andy, i will try that but why does it start after i turn the key off and on again

Click to expand...

weird things that electrics do

Had a knackered earth return strap
It was on a few strands, went to jump start a dud battery
Poooof!

stuck a jump lead on engine mount to negative terminal - it turn over badly, then suddenly to life
Before poof it started up perfectly fine

So a dodgey connection can do alsorts

Ziggy

Thanks ziggy

Update

I have fitted a new earth strap from battery to body and then to the gearbox as original but the problem still occurs.Is there any other earth connections i should check

Thanks Shaun

Have you bench tested the new starter?

Check all relays consider the problem may be with the ignition switch

Thanks Andy
I had the problem with the old starter,i changed that because it kept sticking
I will have a look at the ignition switch and relays

Thanks Shaun