Clio 172 starting problem

[GWO]

Hi
I have recently got hold of a Clio Sport 172 on an 03 plate. Dont know much about it, except someone has tried to steal it at some point. Anyway I fancy taking it to Silverstone for a thrash around in 10days, but I cant get the bugger to start.

the blip on the key fob lock and unlocks fine. There is plenty of battery charge (although it was completely flat for some time). Turn the key one click and the dash lights come on, next click on the key and you can hear two small relays clicking. One in the cockpit, one under the bonnet. Is there some clever immobilser trick I am missing?

It hasnt run for a while, so it oculd be a sticking pre-enguage starter motor?

Any advice?

Thanks

[GTP rpm]

It does sound like a starter motor fault.

For some reason I can't picture it's exact location in my head (annoyingly) but I believe it's at the front end of the engine. If you get a torch and shine it down past the alloy intake resonator, you should be able to see it there * Please someone correct me if I am wrong!

If it is there, get a long bar (about a foot long) and whack the starter motor body with a hammer, to try and shock it.

Also, to confirm it is the starter motor that is clicking, get someone else to turn the key and place the bar, or a long screwdriver directly onto it's body and put your ear to the other end. If you feel/hear the click loudly, it's definately that.

[davebem]

I doubt its the starter motor, once the ignition is on and lights go on, some go out, which ones are staying on??

The starter motor is at the back of the block to the right of the exhaust manifold, its got a shiney heat shield over it and access is difficult.

Edited by davebem on Wednesday 17th February 11:22

[eybic]

another way to ease a sticking starter motor is to put the car in gear and rock it back and forth a few times. Sounds like it could be an immobiliser fault to me, what makes you say someone has tried to nick it?

[s1rallyemark]

Does the big red immobiliser light go out after a few seconds? If it doesn't you might need to have a look at the decoder ring.