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MG MGF Technical - Starter motor doesn't work

Hi again.
After a long time out, I've come back (as MG!!!)
I'm having a problem that drives me mad.

Sometimes when i turn my key, after the usual lights on dashboard and gas pump noise, the ignition motor dosn't work, no sound at all, no rattles as when the batery is low, in fact it is quite new.
After MANY attempts, it worked ok, with the usual noise.

I've got my MG TF on the dealer, some months ago, and they checked the inmovilitation system, the key contacts, the starter motor contacts (and clean them), even the batery contacts and earth straps, but didn't find anything. But as it worked fine again, I thought it was fixed.

But last sunday, some months later, same tricky affair, I've tried to start it many times, even next day, but again nothing. I've changed the old batery for a new one and nothing, even i've used electric cables from my megane and again nothing,

So I had to remove the hood, the covers and access the motor and after touching everywhere I've suspected it could be something wrong about starting connections, I've tried again and it worked.

I've suspected mainly on a very short cable that goes from a black cylinder to the starting motor. It looks if as a metallic "net" had to cover it and it looked damaged, but at MG told me this was the way it was supposed to look (?).

They repeated exactly the same, and nothing was found.
But today (two days ago), when I've tried to start it, again nothing happened. I had to try 7 or 8 times to get it working.
Any idea about this?

Something is getting sticky? Solenoid, ignition motor brushes, any clue?

Of course I've take a look on the archives, but I couldn't find anything.
Thanks everybody.

And have a good 2010 (I like to be the first even in my best wishes...!!!)

Jose.
Spinder00

I'd suspect the starter solenoid is sticking, it sounds as if you've eliminated every other possibility.

Next time you're unable to start the car, try rocking it from side to side - this worked for me, and eventually the problem disappeared. Alternatively, a tap on the solenoid casing with a hammer or bar usually un-sticks it.
bandit

Thanks, I'll get my car on the workshop to change the solenoid, as it seems to be the main cause.
I'll cross my fingers...
Spinder (at work)

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2009 and 12/01/2009

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