VOLVO 440 STARTER PROBLEMS
Q
I am hoping you can help me to clear up a problem which I have with my 1989 Volvo 440 GLT with the 1.7 injection engine. Two or three times a week after I have been for a run in the car and then return and attempt to start it up, all I hear is a clunk.
The starter does not turn, but after about five attempts it will then fire into life and the engine will start OK. My local mechanic has suggested that the starter motor is at fault, but what confuses me is that this problem will never occur when starting first thing in the morning, only after the vehicle has been used for a short or long run. I am of course quite happy to have a new starter fitted, but I do want to be sure that is the cause before I go ahead. Barry Tirrill
A
A The symptoms you have do point to a faulty starter, and it is quite common for the starter to only fail when warm. The reason for this is that the internal windings in the starter can become fractured and when they expand with the heat, any light fracture may then open up, disconnecting the circuit.
Before replacing the starter though, I would check a couple of other connections which can also be affected by the heat. The main starter cable to the solenoid can become loose and I would disconnect the battery, then remove and clean the starter cable to the solenoid terminal connection. I would also check the connection on the short cable running from the solenoid to the starter motor. If this shows any signs of overheating, this may indicate that the starter is drawing too much current.
Next check the earth connections to the engine and ensure that they are tight. After reconnecting the battery, check the voltage at the starter main terminal; if this is not battery voltage, it will indicate a problem within the main wire between the battery and starter, and in this case that may be the cause of the problems.