Scenic starter motor???

Newbie Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Posts: 7

Hi. My 98 petrol 2l auto scenic won't start. Starter motor was sounding slow for the last couple of days and I thought the alternator wasn't charging. It was no better after a drive so I figured it isn't the battery not holding a charge. Tried jumper leads and took battery out and charged up but nothing. Headlights are bright and everything else works. Terminal under the bonnet (battery is under seat in Scenic) gets hot after trying to start. Starter motor is engaging and nearly turning over. Doesn't seem like loose lead. Field gone in stater motor?? Where is it ?? Easy to get out?
Any ideas? Cheers

Affiliate Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 360

Hmm sounds like a funny one this. I'd say that knowing the Megane/Scenic have similar chassis designs I'd say the Electrical systems are also very similar. Our 19 had an issue where by the bus/distribution bar had corroded to the point that it couldn't deliver the current required to start the car. Everything would light up fine as it would normally and then, when you turned the key everything just died for five minutes or so.

I'd say your problem sounds similar and is corrosion related and a simple continuity test will confirm or deny this.

Mick

Level 1 User Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 31

My 96 Megane recently failed to start in similar circumstances, although it wouldn't even crank the engine. I had all my lights on inside etc, and when I turned the key to start it the whole thing went dead-no interior lights, no instrument lights-nada. 5 mins later the lights would return and the car would do exactly the same thing when I'd turn the key.

It turned out to be corrosion at the battery negative terminal. I took the connector off and wire brushed it clean and all was well.