Starting Issue

[Glover0]

Sometimes when i turn the key it just makes a click noise and nothing happens.
Other times it cranks over fine but then revs really high for like 3-4 sec then drops down and idles at around 700.
Any suggestions please

[kopper69]

Need more information. What makes a click noise?? Have you checked for error codes?

[fitzy2005]

sounds like key isnt making contact, or battery mite be flat, the reason it revs really high the drops back is the IAC valve is doing its job

[kopper69]

Yea if the click is coming from the engine I would be suspecting the battery. The instrument lights should go out when you turn the key and it makes its click. Check the battery voltage - check the terminals. Start the car and check the battery voltage. Either battery would be on its way out or the terminals arent making a good contact.

[Glover0]

When it clicks the radio turns off while holding the key turned.
But all other instruments stay on.
The click does sound like that the battery is flat but i can just return the key again and it will start perfect.
Read other threads some people were saying fuel related?
Fuel pump or regulator.

[fitzy2005]

no not if it switched your stereo off.. check your terminals are clean and secure

[hako]

I think the radio, aircon/heater, warning lights and all other ignition switched things will turn off when the ignition key is turned to "start". This is designed to give the battery full voltage. When you release the key they all come back on again. The click sound could be coming from the "start relay" located under the bonnet near the battery - to test just swap with the hi-beam or ignition relay - if this isn't making contact the starter motor will not engage. If this makes no difference then it could be the starter solenoid contacts burnt which isn't all that common and in this case the solenoid would be trying to close the contacts to allow full battery power to the starter. This click would be louder than a relay click. Good Luck.

[kopper69]

Doubt very much its fuel pump. If you know what to listen for you can hear the fuel priming when you turn the ignition to on (without actually starting it). If you take the fuel pump relay out you will notice an absence of the sound. You need to listen very closely to hear it and if there is a bit of noise around you can miss it. That will tell you if everything is working nicely on the fuel side of things. Have you checked your battery yet?

[flc]

I had a similar problem with my first car (subaru). Ended up being the starter motor. I used to have to give it a whack or two and then it would kick over and no problem. I remember it needed the brushes or something similar cleaned.

[frenzal_tom]

yeh sounds like starter problems
had the same kinda sound wif old vk

[boojak87]

Guaranteed starter motor. I had this problem no more than 3 weeks back! AT first, you would click it once, nothing would happen, then it'd start the second time. But the day i got it fixed...took 4 or 5 goes before it actually started. $200 fix. A little expensive but hey, you need it to start the damn car! Take it to an auto elecs, get them to check it out, because it could also just be a faulty earthing wire, but more than likely it's the starter motor.

Good luck,
Boojakz.

[Pete284]

how many k's has the car done? what's it's badge (ie executive, etc.)?

[fitzy2005]

how many k's has the car done? what's it's badge (ie executive, etc.)?

what does the badge have to do with anything??

[Glover0]

OK thanx guys
yes starter motor new one installed is $200 wreckers 60 bucks.
Instalation Hard?

[hako]

you are sure it is the starter motor??? your initial problem had a high idle problem as well as no crank.

[Glover0]

High idle problem was iac Got new one and cleaned throttle body.
I have to turn the key about 20 times now to get it to crank over.

[Milquetoast]

Contact in my opinion. The click is probably the fuel pump.
Sucks. I got the same problem, but I am going to put the $85 into getting a new key before I blow $200 on a starter motor.
I always thought a starter motor would give that metalic grind sound as opposed to nothing.

The high rev is a good thing! I take great solace every time my car does it, 'coz it means my amp hasn't recked my alternator yet! Be happy with the high rev... you want the high rev.