Mk6 Starter spins but doesn’t engage

[devonvanfan]

2nd start of the day. Turn key. Whirring noise but not cranking. Starts on fourth attempt. Started OK later in the day.

What do you reckon new Battery or new Starter?

Mk6 2003 131K miles 125PS fwd panel van

[ake]

Starter.

[dodgy01]

yeah just a starter

[Herts]

New starter is needed, done mine last week. Don't forget to connect the earth wire when changing.

Andy

[blue estate]

Did any one say starter motor

[devonvanfan]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Having searched around the forums there was mention of a DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel) breaking up causing starter motor problems (dust/swarf in motor).

Now, I failed to mention that a few months back I had a clunking noise when I depressed the clutch in neutral – diagnosed as a flywheel on its way out. Noise disappeared so I ignored it!
So I guess the two issues are related.

Any thoughts?

[grollie]

i know RWD that is the case on that swarf wrecks the starter and so i would assume FWD vans are no different. So looks like DMF and probably clutch change one good way of checking is by pulling crank sensor out and seeing if ther is a fir tree load of swarf on it ( this is what i often use as a good indication of failing Dual mass flywheel on RWD Transits)? |Maybe esier to pull starter off on FWD

[ake]

The 125 fwd DOES have a dual mass, so it could well be failing and killing the starter

[devonvanfan]

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I’ve booked it in to have Flywheel Clutch and Starter replaced
£££££££

[Herts]

Booked in with Ford's? Rear wheel drive is £1000 and front wheel drive is £1500 not including a new starter.

Andy

[AllAboardTheWolfBus]

I had the same problem with the mk3 Mondeo I've just got rid of. It didn't happen every time, or even most of the time, but when it did it would whizz for anywhere up to five attempts and then start fine.

A friend of mine has a similar Mondeo and also has the same issue, and he's found that he can force it to engage by parking it on an incline and leaving it in gear.

In short it's a problem you can work around but it can be indicative of DMF failure. If you can afford to get it replaced then it's a good idea to do so as a failing DMF can cause all sorts of havoc.

I've just had the clutch, DMF and crank sensor replaced on my Tourneo for a tad under £800.