[surfing69]

I have a 2010 Ceed 1.6 diesel which had a clutch and crank shaft sensor replaced 3 weeks ago. Since then i have seen a deterioration in the starting behavior - i.e. long cranks before start up and then clicking noises. Thinking it was the battery I took it out and had it charged. However still see the same issues. The other day I had to jump start the car with a nother cark as there was no sound at all when I turned the key. However had to rev the other car before it would start,

I then drove 3 miles to Asda to do some shopping which took about 20 mins. When I tried to start the engine there was one click and nothing. I spotted a Halfords depot across the way and they tested the battery and alternator and said they were fine. However they could couldnt start the car with their 900amp heavy duty battery. The only i was able to start the car was jump start with a Halfords vehicle but this had to be revved.

However when i tried to jump start the car today with another whilst it was revving, there was NOTHING just one click.

all other systems that rely on the battery are working just fine.

I suspect it could be the solenoid on the starter motor. If this is indeed the issue, can someone direct me to a 'how do you replace the starter motor on a Kia Ceed' or how to test the starter motor?

I also suspect that the repairs on the clutch and crankshaft sensor may have disturbed the starter motor as this issue seems to much of a coincidence.

Thanks

 

[Astra99]

My inclination would be to check the starter motor, preferably using an auto-electrician rather than a normal garage. Many many moons ago I had a problem with a Vauxhall Viva (1256 engine) failing to turn over intermittently. After substituting the battery, starter solenoid and ignition switch I removed the starter and took it to an auto-electrical specialist. The armature was damaged! One Lucas B90 unit and no more problems!

I would go on to say that the starter on the Cee'd is a pre-engaged unit, so the "click" is the solenoid throwing the starter pinion into the ring gear. Once the pinion is engaged, a set of contacts should close to provide current to the starter motor itself. It sounds like this is the point of failure; it could be the solenoid or the motor itself. That is why I suggested an auto-electrician.

 

[surfing69]

i think you may be right. However do you have any thoughts on whether or not the work i had done on the clutch could have precipitated this issue? I ask, because i originally just had the clutch replaced. However after i got the car home and then tried to start it, it struggled and then an engine warning light came on. When i plugged my diagnostic unit into the car, it came up with a fault code for a faulty crankshaft sensor. No such issues before the clutch replacement.
when i contacted the garage they admitted that it was possible that when they installed the clutch they may have disturbed the sensor. They replaced the sensor FOC.

It seems too much of a coincidence that after the new clutch, the crankshaft sensor failed and 2 weeks after that, the car began to struggle to start and finally doesn't start at all even with a jump start.

 

[surfing69]

UPDATE !
this morning the garage had arranged for an electrical specialist to visit me who tracked the issue to a loose connection on the copper bolt on the starter motor. After cleaning the connection, and retightening, the engine sparked into life ! Issue solved.

when I the spoke with the garage (Halfords) and asked if it was possible the starter was disturbed during the clutch replacement, they stated that it had been loosed off the retaining bolts but as the manager I was speaking to didn't actually dio the job, he couldn't definitely say that the connection on the starter wasn't unscrewed. He was just happy that the car was up and running and stumped up the cost of the specialist. I did offer to contribute.

 

[mcsport]

Good to hear you are sorted.
That's some good Service from Halfords. Maybe they caused it but didn't fob you off and took responsibility.

 

[surfing69]

I was very impressed by Halfords response. However when i first noticed an issue after the clutch replacement the actual garage tried to fob me off. I had to escalate the matter to head office and a regional manager took control who was supportive and didn't try and pull the wool over your eyes. Even a local Halfords shop without a garage pulled out all the stops to try and start my car when it failed last Friday.

one reason why I decided to have my repairs done at Halfords is that they are a large corporation with a reputation to uphold and so if there were any issues i felt it more than likely they wouldnt mess me around.

 

[mcsport]

I would normally go to an Independent for that type of work. Not really something I would trust a Fast Fit place with.
That said, I have had excellent Service from Kwik Fit for MOTs, Tyres and Exhaust over the last 10 Years or so. And very convenient.

Most of this type of place had bad reputations Years ago for finding extra work that didn't need doing. #Aircraft.
Internet/reviews probably helped put a stop to it.

An Independent local to me with a great reputation made a complete hash of my Car a few Years ago.
Mis-diagnosed and lost some parts.