Starting problem.

[v8griff]

Guys,

I suspect I have an issue with a faulty relay which is preventing me turning over the engine in my Griff.

Ignition light is illuminated and the fuel pump primes but won't turnover (there is a loud clicking noise coming from somewhere, almost as if there is a relay trying to make/break).

See video via the linky: https://youtube.com/shorts/s5X66IZEm6Y

I'm hoping someone else has experienced this fault and can share their learnings.

Would appreciate any comments chaps.

Thanks Mark.

[sixor8]

Sounds to me like the solenoid on the starter making and breaking contact quickly. Is the starter very old?

[v8griff]

sixor8 said:

Sounds to me like the solenoid on the starter making and breaking contact quickly. Is the starter very old?

It's a 94 car. The starter will be original, I've owned the car since 2001 and I haven't changed it.

[Harvy500]

Sounds like a siezed starter motor solenoid to me.
To be honest,I'm fairly new to Griffith's.
Usual way would be to hit (not silly hard) the starter solenoid with a hammer and see if it frees it.
Sounds to me like a new starter motor is required.
If it's the original, it's overdue for failure.
No idea if uprated high torque starters are available for our cars but if they were and I needed a starter that's where I'd go.

[Harvy500]

Also, putting the car in 1st or reverse and rock it back and forth can sometimes free off the solenoid.
That's worth a shot.

[Polly Grigora]

That's a chattering solenoid, it can be seen that the warning lights dim every time the solenoid contacts make and power the motor

Chattering solenoid is caused by low voltage or a dead short on the motor circuit

Battery could be faulty and breaking down under motor load, check battery voltage before going any further

With a known good battery if the fault persists, check main + & - @ starter while cranking

[Polly Grigora]

sixor8 said:

Sounds to me like the solenoid on the starter making and breaking contact quickly. Is the starter very old?

This

[Belle427]

Check wiring connections first particularly at the battery but also the starter itself.
Starters get a hard life but worth checking the basics first.