Trouble Starting 206cc 1.6 since cold weather

[s5luf]

Can anyone help me with this.

My mums 206cc 1.6 has had issues starting since it has got cold. Put the key in the ignition, lights all come on fine turn the key and nothing there at all. Sometime taking the key out and put back in and starts 2nd time fine. Other times put the key in and the car will start straight away.

Even after a run leave the car for an hour, come back to the car turn the key and nothing there. Then 2nd time starts fine.

First thought was to carry out a service. So i have replaced sparks, oil filter, oil, pollen filter and air filter.

However, still having the issue. I am thinking next to replace the fuel filter. The car is a 2005 with only 41000.

Does anyone have any other recommendations one what it could be? I don't think it is the battery as lights and unlocking is fine and when you turn the key the light do not dim.

Many thanks,
Craig

[GrandadMonkey]

The battery is 7 years old presumably, so will be reaching the end of its life.

However, if you are sure the battery is really OK then I'd suspect the battery lead connections, starter motor lead connections, or the starter motor itself.

[s5luf]

Thanks for the info, i will try battery first if not then replace the starter motor.

i will let you know how i get on.

Thanks again,
Craig

[Capncol]

A good auto electrician can test your starter before forking out on a new one.

[s5luf]

Hi all,

My issue is back with trouble starting the car, last time I replaced the starter motor which I brought from eurocarparts and the issue with starting disappeared.

2 days ago, tried to start the car and hear the starter motor turn, but then loses power, central locking, clock, alarm all flash. Every time i turn the key it does this reset. We have been able to jump the car.

I think this could be the battery this time? Or could it possible be that the starter motor has failed?

Thanks,
Craig

[Capncol]

New battery required. Classic symptoms. A battery, even a new one physically, won't produce the same power in cold weather. Add to that cold oil which will be thicker (both engine and gearbox) and the engine requires more power to turn it.This is why battery problems tend to show up at the first hint of cold weather.
Make sure you get the proper one for a 'CC (type 079) as the hatchback ones are shorter.

[s5luf]

I thought as much, thanks for your quick response and confirming.

Euro sell 3 different makes: Lion, Bosch or Exide

Shall I go for Bosch branded or doesn't it really matter? All come with a 3 year warranty!

[gazza82]

My money was on the battery last March!

Bosch or Exide ... also check carpart4less.co.uk ... this is Euro Car Parts internet-only site ... you'll have to wait for it to be delivered (takes a couple of days) but you can save extra discounts on outlet prices .. were 20% less when I bought one for our hatchback.

[GrandadMonkey]

Exide EA530.

http://thebatteryshop.co.uk/exide-premi ... tAodEGsA7g

[s5luf]

Thanks as always for all your responses and help. Ended up buying the Bosch S4 battery for £64.80.

Installed at the weekend and car seems to be starting fine now .

1 last question, I noticed that the water had gone a browny horrible colour so plan to do a change this weekend.
Do i just released the bottom hose on the rad, reattach and then fill with antifreeze + deionised water? I read on a 206 forum that there are some bleed values, are these on the 206cc?

Thanks

[gazza82]

Same ... bleed valves in pipework. Also set heating controls to max hot to allow coolant to escape from matrix. You may have to run the engine to full working temp and recheck levels a couple of times.

Coolant/antifreeze mix and de-ionised water is one way, or just pick up the pre-mixed solution.

[GrandadMonkey]

Just a thought, has the timing belt been renewed yet? If not it is getting there on a time basis. If the car is still low mileage and the coolant renewal does the trick, I'd consider replacing the belt soon, certainly by the time the car is 10 years old. At 40+k mileage the pulleys shouldn't be worn out yet, nor should the water pump.