Starter motor problems with a Doblo

[1882ian]

Back when we had the snow on the ground my Doblo just would not start. As soon as I turned the key everything electrical was dead. So I changed the battery and it done the same thing. Called out the RAC and they advised me the starter motor will need replacing but he would give me a jump start that would get me going. Two weeks ago the same thing was happening picked up a new starter motor fitted it myself but it would not start, got someone to look at the starter motor they connected the terminals and the motor would not spin. Took it back and got a replacement. Fitted the new one turned it over and all I could hear is the motor chattering and spinning. Took it out and got someone to look at it and was told that there was nothing wrong with the starter motor and was I sure they had sold me the right one. They tell me shop there is only one listed for my doblo 1.9 2002. Has anybody else had this problem or am I doing something wrong any ideas would be most appreciated. Thanks
Ian

 

[sludgeguts]

Did you get the SM from a fiat parts department or local accessory shop?
I ask because i once had the same problem with a mazda.
Every accessory shop had the wrong part listed, the motor they gave me was 3/4 the length of the genuine motor & the mounting lugs were slightly off - yet every parts shop insisted they had the correct part.
Ended up going to the stealer.
Price in the factors - £50 (and they were reconditioned).
Price from stealers - £250 brand new.

But surely the fault you describe can't be starter motor?
"As soon as I turned the key everything electrical was dead." Points to a dead battery, as does the fact that a jump start got you going.
But then later on you say you hear the motor spinning - which then sounds like there masy be a problem with the solenoid not engaging the drive onto the flywheel.

 

[Butcher]

sounds like somthings wrong with your battery to me

 

[sludgeguts]

With the SM fixed firmly on a bench, put 12v across the terminals on the solenoid - it should click loudly as it thrusts the pinion.
Looking in the open end, you should see the pinion being thrust forward.

then put 12v across the terminals of the SM, the motor should kick into life (and they are very powerful) and spin like crazy.

When fitted correctly, as you turn the key with a dud SM, you will hear a loud click as the solenoid engages the pinion.
Otherwise, the click is drowned out as the pinion engages and the powerful motor turns the flywheel.
Releasing the key cuts power to the SM and solenoid, disengaging the pinion (and so the SM) from the engine.

If you can hear the motor spinning then it is the solenoid not engaging the pinion.

If you bought this from an accessory shop it will be a rebuild. It may be possible that it wasn't done correctly - although they do that many you would have thought they'd know what they were at.