When engine's cold it seems a sluggish start and there's a noise like a grating sound when key is turned

Question

Vehicle is a Vauxhall Combo 1.7DI van, year 2004 with 60000 miles on clock. Serviced regular but problem has been going on for 2 weeks now

Answer 1

1 clean battery cables...2..go to parts store and have them check /test battery.. 3... if ok its a worn starter

Answer 2

I would think the starter Bendix drive may be the source of the noise problem you're hearing. Diesel starters are purposely over-sized to turn over such high compression motors. If you've been doing a lot of starting and shutting down the engine in the past three yrs. Have a mechanic do an electrical amp draw test on the starter.

If your van has more than one battery have them load tested to be sure they have enough reserve capacity to start the motor. While you're at it inspect all battery cables for absolute cleanliness and sufficient tightness around the terminals. It's a good idea to coat the bare clean battery terminals with a coat of battery terminal protector.

Hope you get to the bottom of the problem!

Answer 3

I'm assuming this is a diesel engine?
You most likely have a bad starter and or a bad ring gear
But the sluggish start may represent bad cables or loose connections to the starter which will show themselves more during cold weather.
Have the battery checked along with all cables and connections to starter and go from there.
Thanks Bill B