Hi, I've had my 2013 FL2 SD4 HSE for a couple of months & over the last month I've ben having intermittent starting problems. I press the start button & everything lights up correctly & the Instrument & Info Panels all come on but when I press Start again with foot on Brake engine doesn't turn over/start. This is also the same when pressing start with foot on brake straight away. Sometimes there is a low whining noise coming from under bonnet & today when pressing start I’m getting a clicking noise as well! Now by trying numerous times in various sequences (Not always the same) Engine will eventually turn over and catch/start.

Is this a known fault? and is there a fix or do I need to seek professional help? I absolutely love this car after driving a 56 Grand Vitara for many years but this problem is frustrating to say the least. Any help & advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Bob

How old is the battery? these are very sensitive to charge and voltage if the battery is tired it will give the symptoms you describe, could also be a bad earth, or tired starter, how many miles it done? will it start with a jump?

This is just a starting point there are other things but check battery first. 2013 FL2 XS.
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Sounds as if the contacts in the starter solenoid have burnt out. You can replace the solenoid or if a bit handy you can buy a kit and just replace its internals.

Many thanks Rommel & BossBob for your advice.

Battery was purchased by last owner only back in Nov 2023. It's YUAYBX515 & should still be under warranty if faulty. Re potential Solenoid fault, this sounds like it may be the issue because apart from engine not firing everything else like central locking, lights, alarm and instrument panels all seem to be working fine. Wil discuss with the mechanic/garage that has been looking after my cars for the last 20 years soon.....

Again appreciate replies. Cheers, Bob

Bob, I had a very similar experience and turned out to be the contacts in the starter. You can be the kit online and it’s very simple to do. Kit cost around £20 rather than a couple of hundred for a new starter.

I’m having the same problem as Bob.
Most of the time I place my fob under the steering column and it fires up.
So blooming strange. Maker of fine writing instruments.🖊🖌🖋

Hi Bob H, I have a 2009 TD4 HSE which I have owned for 8 years and has been really reliable. I have had starting issues where pressing the starter button it might turn a little, stop, turn a little more and finally start. When it turns properly it always starts promptly. Been to 2 specialists who haven’t pinpointed the problem. One suggested the starter button was faulty but replacing needs coding to the engine/ECU needing full LR workshop equipment which they don’t have. Battery replaced a couple of years ago and no other electrical issues. Any help welcome!!

Drayman wrote:

I’m having the same problem as Bob.
Most of the time I place my fob under the steering column and it fires up.
So blooming strange.

[quote="Freddy Flip Flop"]Hi Bob H, I have a 2009 TD4 HSE which I have owned for 8 years and has been really reliable. I have had starting issues where pressing the starter button it might turn a little, stop, turn a little more and finally start. When it turns properly it always starts promptly. Been to 2 specialists who haven’t pinpointed the problem. One suggested the starter button was faulty but replacing needs coding to the engine/ECU needing full LR workshop equipment which they don’t have. Battery replaced a couple of years ago and no other electrical issues. Any help welcome!![/quote

IF and a big IF your battery is truly 100%, then it sounds like Starter Motor contacts, although there is a relay that feeds direct battery 12v to starter.

Click image to enlarge

Drayman wrote:

I’m having the same problem as Bob.
Most of the time I place my fob under the steering column and it fires up.
So blooming strange.

PRadd wrote:

Drayman wrote:

I’m having the same problem as Bob.
Most of the time I place my fob under the steering column and it fires up.
So blooming strange.

Have you changed the keyfob battery yet?

I don't bother changing the fob battery. My mechanic for the last number of years replaces "all" fob batteries. $8.00. On one hand a bit expensive, but on the other, need to give him a few dollars. My only thinking task is to drop off to the mechanic alternative fob with car! Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

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The starter motor bits are easy peasy to fit. Getting to the Three bolts to get the starter motor off are a pain, as they are behind the wiring loom which does not have a great deal of play.

Drayman wrote:

PRadd wrote:

Drayman wrote:

I’m having the same problem as Bob.
Most of the time I place my fob under the steering column and it fires up.
So blooming strange.

Have you changed the keyfob battery yet?

Yes in both.