Technical Reaching Starter Motor on 1.3 Multijet 4x4

[Dr Zhivago]

How easy is it to reach the starter motor electrical connections?

I have an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it starts fine, other times I just hear a click (presumably an under-bonnet relay) but no starter churning. I does start eventually but it can take six attempts. This is Mrs Z's car and she is getting worried to use it in case she gets stranded. The battery is OK.

Some previous threads have suggested corrosion or other poor contact at the starter's electrical connections, so that is where I want to start. I understand it is down the back of the engine and that does not look easy to get to. Can I get to the connections from the top, after removing battery etc? Or is it accessed from underneath? - I don't have a ramp, only axle stands.

If the connections are OK, could it be that the relay I can hear is failing? Is it within the starter motor or elsewhere under the bonnet? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Sadly, as with many cars now, the access is from underneath with car on a lift. As you say it’s on the back of the engine and that sits tight to the bulkhead.

 

[varesecrazy]

While you are there,
slacken and retighten the Braided cable on the starter (13mm socket)

That was the issue with my mj

Wouldn't crank when hot

 

[Dr Zhivago]

the access is from underneath with car on a lift

Well, I have had a look underneath (I don't have a ramp, only axle stands) and I can't even see the starter motor and even if I could there would be no room to get my hand or a spanner up in there. This is a 4x4 and there is a large lump of a casting on the back of the engine/gearbox which presumably houses a bevel gear that powers the propshaft to the rear, and I guess the starter motor is above that somewhere. I might see a bit more if I remove the skidplate under the engine, but I would expect the starter motor to be to the rear of that. There is also a large engine mount arm that extends rearwards from the bottom of the engine/gearbox that looks as if it reacts the engine torque, and this is also much in the way. And the exhaust pipe of course.

Maybe you are meant to remove these obstructions to get to the starter motor in a 4x4, which will be a real mess, or maybe the whole engine must be pulled out which means it will need to go to an agent's workshop.

 

[AnthonyH]

Keep removing until you can see the starter, not so easy on some models.

 

[RSInfotech]

It's accessed via the O/S/F wheel arch according to eLearn... You're able to access all electrical connections for testing from here too.