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maxgaskell

Hi there,

So yesterday I started and drove my vehicle out of my driveway, I then realised I had forgotten something inside so I turned it off and when I returned it would not start.
I thought it may have been the battery/loose terminals, so I then tried to jumpstart the vehicle with no success (it had power, but was not turning over at all).

This morning I was able to start the car again, I drove to the airport and then stopped at a gas station, shockingly once I had filled up, it would not start again, still no turnover at all.

We were able to get an opinion from a local mechanic who suggested it might be the starter motor or starter motor relay, we are unsure what to do from here, and whether there may be a simple solution.

It seems weird that the car was able to start first pop on both days but unable to even turn over at all after this initial drive (could the temperature affect the starter connection?)

Cheers

Anon

Hi there,
It could be a few things that affect the starter operation, but it's a fairly simple circuit to test.
The power supply to the starter can be tested first, If the car is Automatic then then the gear selector/Inhibitor switch can play up and intermittently stop the starter from working.
If there is power from the key to the starter then it may be the starter is worn.
Intermittent starter operation is a common symptom of worn internal contacts inside the starter itself and they are generally not a big deal to replace providing the rest of the starter is in good condition. The weather and temperature can play a part till it gets worn to a point that the car won't start at all. Best to get it seen ASAP.