Leon mk1 2003 1.8T won't start (no ignition power)

[julianb]

I really need some help finding out what the problem is with my Leon MK1 2003 1.8T (4x4).

I have a fully charged battery connected and everything seems fine. I unlock the car and hear the fuel pump kicking in. I put the key in the ignition and turn it over. All lights and aircon is working, then I turn the key over to start.. nothing happens. No clicking sound, nothing at all.

Diag show no error. I'ts like the starter is not getting any power while turning the key.

What do I do, and were do I start?

 

[Connorg115]

https://youtu.be/yC409CU7mU8

This guy has helped me with so many problems with my cars!

Any problem i have with my car i always check the fuses so thats a good place to start

 

[julianb]

This guy has helped me with so many problems with my cars!

Any problem i have with my car i always check the fuses so thats a good place to start

Thank you, and that video is also very informative and helpful. Will check the fuses and relay after work!

 

[Connorg115]

No problem mate let us know how you get on!


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[julianb]

No problem mate let us know how you get on!


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Okay, so now I got the starter to click (low battery now) but it only works when I directly connect the starter to ground. Cable directly from starter to - on battery. Why?

 

[Connorg115]

I’m not sure mate I’m sure someone more helpful will be along soon


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[mty12345]

Do you have corrosion on the main negative cable that runs from the battery to the chassis? It's a common issue where it gets corroded and then the starter can't flow enough current..... Remove the battery and follow the cable back to the body. Then clean the cable and area of the chassis with a wire brush/sandpaper etc etc.

 

[Cupra Ross]

Do you have corrosion on the main negative cable that runs from the battery to the chassis? It's a common issue where it gets corroded and then the starter can't flow enough current..... Remove the battery and follow the cable back to the body. Then clean the cable and area of the chassis with a wire brush/sandpaper etc etc.

Good advice here, spot on.

 

[julianb]

Do you have corrosion on the main negative cable that runs from the battery to the chassis? It's a common issue where it gets corroded and then the starter can't flow enough current..... Remove the battery and follow the cable back to the body. Then clean the cable and area of the chassis with a wire brush/sandpaper etc etc.

Thanks! I just did that, sanded the cables, the poles and chassis. With a fully charged battery the starter just click once when I turn the ignition on. I really appreciate all the help I can get !

 

[mty12345]

What happens now if you put the cable straight from the starter to the battery like you did before? Does the starter still operate normally when doing that? If so then i'd be looking at one of the earth points in the engine bay, I'm not 100% sure which earth point it is, but whichever way the current from the starter eventually goes to earth, i would check that for corrosion. ...It could well be the gearbox earth below. Hope that's some help for you mate.

 

[julianb]

What happens now if you put the cable straight from the starter to the battery like you did before? Does the starter still operate normally when doing that? If so then i'd be looking at one of the earth points in the engine bay, I'm not 100% sure which earth point it is, but whichever way the current from the starter eventually goes to earth, i would check that for corrosion. ...It could well be the gearbox earth below. Hope that's some help for you mate.

Thanks! Well, when I directly connect it to the battery, the same thing happends. When I turn the ignition over, it clicks once, and then nothing. I took the starter out, and it seems fine (spinning and kicking in/out).

 

[mty12345]

If the battery is good, and all connections are ok, then i'd have to assume it's the starter in some way or other then mate.... It could be the solenoid failing, or it could be that it's ok spinning with no load on it but hasn't got the power when engaged with the flywheel.

 

[julianb]

If the battery is good, and all connections are ok, then i'd have to assume it's the starter in some way or other then mate.... It could be the solenoid failing, or it could be that it's ok spinning with no load on it but hasn't got the power when engaged with the flywheel.

Okay, I will try to replace the starter then and see if that is the problem. Thanks!

 

[mty12345]

Okay, I will try to replace the starter then and see if that is the problem. Thanks!

No worries mate. Like i said above if all the connections are ok and battery is fine too, then i can't think of anything else other than the starter.

 

[julianb]

No worries mate. Like i said above if all the connections are ok and battery is fine too, then i can't think of anything else other than the starter.

Thank you, now it finally starts and runs like a dream again! IT was the starter that had some problems!

 

[mty12345]

You're welcome buddy, glad you've got her sorted and she's running well again