albaran

My 2001 C4 Cab runs great except for the following problem:
When I go to start the engine the engine cranks for a split second and then stops. I have to turn the key back and start again which then starts the car fine. What could cause this?

Woodman71

Ignition switch?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ering_Lock.htm

Ahsai

or the clutch switch if you have a manual trans.

albaran

It's a tiptronic.

5CHN3LL

Could also be the starter on its last legs. When you have the key cranked and it stops turning over, is the voltage still low?

albaran

I'm beginning to think it has to do with the voltage. My dash gauge seems to hover around low 12 and the digital reader I put in the cigarette lighter portal reads around 12,5 -12,6 with the engine not running. I would expect that while running/charging it should read in the 13 area. The battery is fairly new.

Ahsai

Not sure if that's related but the voltmeter should read between 13.5v to 14.5v while the engine is running. Otherwise you have a charging problem for sure. The battery should read around 12.5 to 12.7v when at rest with no electrical load on it.

albaran

Problem solved: The starter bolts were loose. When the key was turned, the starter was jamming because it was loose. After tightening the bolts, everything worked fine. The low voltage was cured by replacing the alternator.

5CHN3LL

Good that you found that before the gear ring got chewed up by the misaligned pinion gear...

Schnell Gelb

Albaren - someone has been in there fiddling - perhaps trying to clumsily diagnose a charging /starting problem? Why else were the starter motor bolts loose? Suggest you carefully inspect for disturbed vacuum connections.loose clamps on the Intake boots.