Hi All,

I took my S Type (3.0L SE Auto) for a longish run today, about 60 miles with no stops en route. Unfortunately the first person I was due to visit was out so I returned to the car after only a couple of minutes. When I turned the key the starter motor tried to turn but did not appear to have the muscle to turn the engine, no dull click from the front end to suggest a dead battery and all instrumentation fine. Tried again and same result. Initially fearing that the starter motor was jammed/stuck but unwilling at that point to give the possibility more than a passing thought I tried to start the car again, but this time, and for no good reason other than perhaps instinct I took my foot off the brake - counter intuitive for a Automatic Gearbox driver - and the car started; albeit a little sluggishly.

This has happened once before but it was some time ago and the only difference between that occasion and this latest is that the first time I had only driven the car about 10 miles.

Anyone suffered similar experiences or know of any reason why the starter motor may appear to seize temporarily?

 

It would seem the first place to start is with the battery before condemning the starter motor. The battery should have a minimum of 12.6 volts across the terminals when measured with a voltmeter. If the voltage is less than 12.6 volts, charge the battery overnight at 5 to 10 amps then retest. If the battery is still showing less than 12.6 volts, it must be replaced.

If the battery is in good nick, next thing to check is the starter connections to the loom and the relay.

What is the MY and number of kilometres/miles on the vehicle?

 

Its a 2002 (03 Spec) with 60k miles only. Must admit I did consider the battery and have put it on charge on the off chance but after a 60 mile non stop journey I'm dubious about that being the root of the problem.

I'll check the starter connections when over the next day or so.

Cheers and thanks for the rapid reply.

 

Sometimes driving the vehicle isn't enough to fully charge the battery if it's failing or weak. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter so you can at least confidently eliminate the battery being the cause.