Car will not start

Tiny
THAL07
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 SEAT LEON
  • 1.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 50,000 MILES
AA recovered the car and said the starter motor failed. I've replaced the starter with a brand new Denso one and got the same result. The starter spins but won't engage and crank the engine. I tested the old starter and its operating fine. I have checked the power down both wires and tried bridging the earth. The flywheel is fine, no sheared teeth. The car will bump start it just won't start off the key. I've checked the fuses. Just at a total loss now.
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 6:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

When you tested the starter motor off the vehicle, did you take notice if the gear is kicking outward when it spins? The gear (Bendix gear) needs to come forward to engage the flywheel. If it is and doesn't engage, recheck the flywheel. Make sure it is tight, undamaged, and in position for the Bendix to reach.

Here is a link you may find helpful as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If possible, record what the starter does and upload it for me to hear.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
THAL07
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your reply. The bendix is kicking out as well as spinning. The flywheel all looks to be in order its tight and not seized. I'll try and get a recording of the noise I'm getting today.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
That will be helpful. If I could hear it, hopefully, I'll be able to identify it. However, if the flywheel is tight, the starter is tight, and the Bendix is kicking out, it doesn't make sense. Are you certain the Bendix is fully extending? Sorry to ask that because I realize you most likely checked, but that is the only thing that makes sense if everything is tight and in good condition.

Let me know. I'm really interested in knowing what it sounds like and figuring out what is going on.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, February 4th, 2022 AT 6:23 PM

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