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Jun 2, 2009 | 03:01 PM

GolfJason

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Load click

Hi,

I have a 1999 XK8 that is now having serious starting problems in the morning. When the engine is cold, the starter won't engage. I just hear a load click. If I try turning the key enough times (30-60 plus times on bad days) it will start and after that I have no problems restarting the engine all day long.

The battery is fully loaded so its not that.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks.

Jun 2, 2009 | 07:15 PM

Thermo

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Joined: May 2008

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From: Great Mills, MD

Jason, put a multimeter on the black wire coming off of the alternator. Now, when attempting to start the car, does the multimeter stay above 11.0 VDC? If yes, then this confirms a bad starter. If it drops below 11.0 VDC, then you need to measure across the battery as you are starting the car. Does this remain above 11.0 VDC? If yes, then you most likely have a bad wire between the battery and the starter. If no, then you have a bad battery. Based on what you are describing, I am willing to go out on a limb and you are most likely looking at a bad starter. Based on being able to start the car after repeated attempts, it somewhat makes the others unlikely.

Jun 4, 2009 | 02:16 AM

GolfJason

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Thanks Chris,

it's just strange that when the engine is warm then the starter motor works just fine. I was thinking that it is a bad electrical contact somewhere in or on or to the starter that rectifies itself when warm due to the expanding metals tightening up the electrical connection.

I've taken the car to the Jag dealer here (Frankfurt/Germany) but the problem doesn't arrise when the car is with them so they can't find the problem.

Thanks again for the tips.

Regards

Jason