Engine clicks , then turns over when starting.

K2MSmith

Sustaining Member

• Mar 16, 2025

• #1

So my E33 has a U25 diesel. A new gremlin popped up . I turn the key , hear a click ( solenoid ? ) , but doesn’t turn over . I thought battery was dead . On 2nd try it turns over and starts . Sometimes takes 2 tries . It’s intermittent. Anyone know what this is a symptom of ?

 

Prairie Schooner

Jeff & Donna, E35-3 purchased 7/21

• Mar 17, 2025

• #2

@K2MSmith - I'm definitely no engine wizard, but the first thing I'd do is start checking wiring connections for corrosion. Then terminals for firm connection. Next the solenoid.

 

Loren Beach

O34 - Portland, OR

Senior Moderator

Blogs Author

• Mar 17, 2025

• #3

What Jeff said. And... also remove, clean, and reinstall all the ground (-) connections.

 

Christian Williams

E381 - Los Angeles

Senior Moderator

Blogs Author

• Mar 17, 2025

• #4

Check key/switch unit itself. Jump the wires at the back of it--just connect them momentarily, bypassing the switch. If that starts the engine every time, you just need a new ignition switch. They do wear out.

 

P

Pete the Cat

Sustaining Member

• Mar 17, 2025

• #5

Loren Beach said:

What Jeff said. And... also remove, clean, and reinstall all the ground (-) connections.

Click to expand...

And especially the ground for the engine block. It is right under the heat exchanger and condensation from heating and cooling drops water right on top of this key ground for the starter. Could be the key too. Most likely not a big deal to fix.

 

u079721

Contributing Partner

• Mar 18, 2025

• #6

On my Universal there was an in-line fuse (20 amp?) in the wiring, all by itself on port. The couple of times I had trouble starting my engine it was fixed by replacing or manipulating that fuse. Finally replaced the holder and all was well after that.