Engine will not turn over, battery and starter relay & Starter Motor ok, all checked by RACQ

[rackcatt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rackcatt]

Wife took car out last night, all was well. Pulled up at fuel station and then car failed to start. Completely dead, not even trying to start. Ignition lights up etc just nothing when turning the key to start....completely dead !!!.
RACQ came out, checked battery all good there (I have a dual battery system) on my 2004 V6 Petrol Automatic.
The mechanic then by-passed starter relay, still nothing, although you could here the faint click of the relay engaging.
Next was the starter motor, bashed it a few times with hammer whilst trying to start, nothing....not even a clicking from the solenoid trying to engage.

Car was finally towed home.

One thought I had was that it might be the Auto starter neutral switch (automatic) has gone thus preventing starting of the car? This is the only other thing I can think of that would cause such an "out of the blue" failure as up to this point the car has had no issues or indication that something is going to fail.

So here I am folks, looking for some suggestions as to what it could be......suppost to be going on holiday in few days, doesnt look like that will be happening now, as everywher is closed for new year.

[LeighW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LeighW]

If the starter relay clicks its not the neutral switch, check 30A AM2 fuse is ok. If relay doesn't click check STA fuse is good.

If fuses are ok then time for a multi meter, get your meter have someone turn the key to start and see if you get a positive on the start wire at the starter, you should hear the starter solenoid click if there is, if not check earth to starter motor, if good starter solenoid is faulty.

If solenoid clicks check main positive to starter, check positive is on terminal when solenoid engages, if its there solenoid or starter is gone.

[rackcatt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rackcatt]

thanks for th info.....
Having phoned around and everyne seems to lean towards the starter motor.
I bit the bullet and bought a new one from REPCO $220 on sale.....sweet.
Just off to plumb it now....and and fingers crossed it works, if not then off to auto electrician Tuesday morning.

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Could have been the starter motors brushes, once they have worn and have no contact you get 0 action from the starter..
Hope you get it sorted so you can give us an update rackcatt.
Cheers

[dalelewisfrench Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dalelewisfrench]

I have same problem but it seems strange as every thing goes lights radio clock its as if some one has taken the battery out totally nothing dead as a door nail. no power anywhere at all ???? i have checked all my links to and from battery still ???? it starts now and runs fine it is strange

[t303 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close t303]

I have same problem but it seems strange as every thing goes lights radio clock its as if some one has taken the battery out totally nothing dead as a door nail. no power anywhere at all ???? i have checked all my links to and from battery still ???? it starts now and runs fine it is strange

Check your battery terminals are clean and secure, in fact take them off and clean them anyway. I pulled my HF radio out, and farted around for days, then happened to touch the neg terminal lug. ...and here is idiot moi always telling everyone to check their earths

[StinkyPete Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close StinkyPete]

rackcatt

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rackcatt Hey, was it the starter motor? I have 2004 v6 petrol auto. Very similar problem. Never had any issues until now. Drove short distance (from cold) stopped and started okay. On return short journey stopped at servo and filled up and then would not start. Battery good, alternator good, all instrument lights and headlights but no cranking. Tried to start in P and N. Pushed 10m from bowsers. Started. Drove home parked and then attempted restart - nothing again. Waited 10 mins and then it started. I’m thinking neutral switch but ……

[Springbok Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Springbok]

Did you find out what the cause was? I had exactly the same issue yesterday. It happened twice. Both times I waited a while (half hour or so) and then it started like it should. I want to prevent it from happening again, because we’re going to a remote area in April.

[06Grande Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 06Grande]

We had the same issue in our 06 petrol a few months ago. Finally got it started by tapping starter motor with spanner while missus turned ignition. Drove straight to our mechanic who replaced starter motor next day. Haven't had an issue since.

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

On more modern cars the starters give no warning leading up to failure. Same thing with the cranking battery. I make a point of replacing the cranking battery every 4 to 5yrs before it dies. Just write in Nikko pen on the top sticker of the battery the date it was purchased so you know when to go out and get a new one.

[Springbok Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Springbok]

So it seems like it’s definitely the starter then. I bought the vehicle recently and am really enjoying it despite the high mileage (363k). I’ve decided to do some preventative maintenance though. This includes replacing the starter motor, checking the water pump and alternator, all the u-joints on the drive train, the CV’s and all seals. The exhaust is rusted but still silencing. It’ll have to be replaced too though.