Any ideas on why I'm on my 4th starter motor?

Question

Last September I had a major service on my car (an 03 vauxhall astra 1.7 TDi). October came around and my car broke down needing a new starter motor and ignition switch. Then in March it happened again. Then in May and now last weekend. It's been to the same warranty repair centre every time because I am loathed to take it somewhere else and pay for it time and again...

They fitted a new starter motor and ignition switch this time too but I am certain this is going to happen again. Is there anything else it might be...ie, something linked to the two parts?

Also, is there anyway I could be causing it? If so, how?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Change your repairer, I'd suggest trying the main dealer or a automotive electrical specialist. I can't see why both parts would need to be replaced, I suspect to save messing about your repairer is just replacing both items and he just passes the cost on to you.

Answer 2

This is so common on vauxhalls, the ignition assembly is faulty, when you have the ignition switch changed you will need to change the ignition barrel changed too ( key and the piece it goes into ). We have actually got one in to be done at the moment.

Answer 3

Must be Your preferred style of driving.

Answer 4

Your garage is not telling you enough - as above, I don't know why the starter & ignition switch would ever be replaced as a pair, let alone four times.

Ask them exactly what is wrong with these two parts - as per previous answer, it's possibly the starter is misaligned, but this would be obvious with chewed teeth, and a decent garage would cure the problem, not just the end result.

The fact that the garage is a main dealer is irrelevant, it doesn't make them any more likely to be decent. I would certainly get a second opinion.

Just found this on a forum;

"The problem lies with the ignition switch located behind the ignition barrel. This tends to jam when engine is cranked and hence keeps the starter motor spinning even when the engine is running. So, after replacing the starter motor, the ignition switch MUST also be replaced to ensure you do not have the same problem again. The new starter that was installed has probably burnt out again. which will need to be replaced, but have it tested first. Hope this helps. Let us know how you got on.

Warning, be prepared to pay a hefty sum for getting the switch changed, as it is not an easy procedure, and it involves removal of the ignition barrel. It is not as simple as some other cars where the switch can be easily removed by de-pressing a couple of clips. Good luck. "

But in this case, you'd surely hear the starter was still running when you released the key unless you're deaf.

Just found another reference;

"Just an update on my original review. I've still got the car and it's now done 58,000 miles. Not much has gone wrong with it in the three years I've owned it. The only significant problem was the starter motor which had burnt out (caused by a sticking ignition lock barrel - a very common Astra problem). That cost £280 to replace at a Vauxhall dealer. Fuel consumption remains very good, averaging at 52mpg. Not the most exciting vehicle to drive but the total cost of ownership remains pretty low which suits me."

Just wondering, are they actually replacing the ignition switch when they're telling you they have?

Answer 5

Possible reasons:

1. You use it many times everyday.

2. Very cold weathers tighten engines.

3. All starters are coming out defective.

4. You are taking longer than necessary to start.

5. It is being fitted incorrectly over and over.

Advice: Ask other owners if they are through the same problem and please let me know the reason.

Answer 6

Strange. The ignition switch only powers a relay. I can't figure how the starter could cause the ignition switch to go bad. You give no symptoms except my car broke down again. What happened before it broke down. Cars don't break just sitting still ?

Answer 7

Check that location dowel (if fitted)is not missing and causing motor to be misaligned or that teeth on ring gear haven't been chewed by original starter motor and is holding motor clutch in engagement when the engine starts

Answer 8

This is a peculiar one.. I can only think that the starter motor is not disengaging after the engine starts. ie, jamming on. This would effectively turn the motor into a generator and hence power back to the ignition switch and causing the burnout. The consistency of the problem would only occur if the garage keeps fitting the wrong part number motor.

Answer 9

hi there, it is a strange one as others have said. A few possibilities come to mind, if the new starters are reconditioned, they are not as good as new ones.you could have a bad engine earth connection which can cause overheating to parts,put a battery cable on from negative of battery to engine block, the earth system in vauxhallls for this purpose is not very good.

your starter could be jammed into fly wheel, if that is the case then fault most likey in flywheel teeth,

alternator could be overcharging. but i think the main possibilities are the earth on engine or starter running on   jock