Hi,

I've got a problem and hoping that you can help.

It's been like it quite a while. The car wouldn't start, nothing at all, wouldn't even make a noise like it was trying to start. The lights would be very very dim on the dash board too.

My parents had the car last, and like I said, it's been this way for a while. When it first started we all assumed it was the battery, however the battery is giving a good voltage and have even had the battery replaced and the new one tested - all works fine.

It seems to be worse when it's damp or cold. Normally you can bump start it by just pushing it a couple of feet, it will start and then no matter how often you start and stop, it will turn over and start absolutely fine every other time throughout the day. But then overnight, it's dead in the morning.

It's been suggested that it be the cold start valve, but had a few other people who don't think it sounds like it's this. I have also replaced the alternator a few months ago. Another thing I've noticed is that the CD player can be turned on even when the keys aren't in the ignition, something I've never had with any of my other cars. It also sometimes makes a noise like it's trying to eject a CD when you try to start it sometimes. Have put another CD player in but does the same thing.

If anyone has any suggestions on what else it could be that would be great, and if there are any 'self help' tips or cheap suggestions that could help me get the thing sorted that would be good as well. Like I said, once it's started it normally runs absolutely fine without a hitch for the rest of today, although today I've just tried bumping it several times and there is nothing, got a splutter a few times but that's about it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Andy

 

You need a new starter. The starter solinoid is fried which would cause dim lights and other electrical problems.