Afternoon gents,

My 2006 4.4 Jag-engined RR has developed a starting problem. When you turn the key, there's a click and everything goes out for a second, then comes back on.

I suspected battery terminals, so I've cleaned them (as per other recent post) and got them nice and tight, but it still does it. Not every single time, and once the car has started, it can then be restarted fairly easily.

At one point the starter turned the engine perhaps half a turn before stopping again. So, I'm beginning to suspect the starter itself. Of course, we need the car over Christmas Is there any mileage in me removing the starter and cleaning it all out? And if so, can anyone give me an idea which side it is and how difficult/easy it is to remove, with the car on the drive? I'm *hoping* we're talking undertray, two bolts and the electrical connections, like most cars, but having never had the under tray off myself, I've no idea what will confront me.

There's an outside possibility I might be able to get hold of a replacement stater motor today, if something like brushes are shot, but I'm kinda hoping I can resolve this without having to chase around after spare parts.

I only really have today to decide whether to do this or not and whether to start the job or not. Otherwise Christmas journeys will be taking place in an alternative and less-than-suitable vehicle!

Thanks.

Sounds like it could be a dodgy battery, what voltage is it at?

Definitely not the battery. I tried to remove the starter yesterday but simply could not locate the top bolt - even spoke to a local specialist who confirmed I'd done everything by the book but I could neither see nor feel the bolt, mush less get a socket on it.

I managed to whack the positive terminal on the starter, as it looked a little mucky, but impossible to remove without having the starter off, and so far it has worked every time. Maybe just disturbed a little corrosion. I guess it'll have to come out at some point, that'll be a job for Angus!