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Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Totem Prole
I have a Peugeot 305 Auto which occasionally refuses to start.

What I mean is I turn the key in the ignition and instead of the starter motor turning over there is a click from somewhere behind the dashboard or beneath the gear selector - difficult to tell. When this happens I can sometimes "fluke" a start by holding the key in the ignition position and flicking the gear selector between Drive and Neutral and the starter might catch. If that fails after a few tries the car won't start until stone cold beyond this point.

The battery seems fine.

Anybody else had a similar problem ? Any ideas anyway ?
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - DL
305 Auto? That's a relic, worthy of being in a car collectors lot!

Sounds like you have an inhibitor switch fault.
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Totem Prole
I suppose it is a bit of a classic!!

1988 but only 70,000 miles on the clock and virtually rust-free.

And never failed an MOT. Wanna buy it ?!

What is this Inhibitor Switch Fault you speak of ?
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - DL
It's a switch that prevents the engine starting (it inhibits the starter motor) to prevent unintentional pull-aways!

It's usually on the gearbox or below the gear selector lever.

Being such an old model, I fear you might not be able to source a new part........
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Totem Prole
DOH !!!
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Hugo {P}
1988 305

I would have thought that this sitch could be sought easily enough.

If not, try a bit of silicone release agent on the moving parts to free it up a bit.

H
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Dizzy {P}
It's often just wear that makes them hit-or-miss and they used to be adjustable. That is, winding them in a tiny bit further (perhaps by using a thinner washer under the head) makes the moving internals of the switch travel further and thus more positively make or break the circuit. The switch is probably on the gearbox somewhere but I couldn't say exactly where on the Peugeot.
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - DL
Come to think of it, I don't think I have ever seen an Auto 305!
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Totem Prole
You were lucky!
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - DL
Hmmmmmm I fwas anything like that 504 I saw today, it ain't gonna be pretty!

If I can find out any info for you, I'll post it back here
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Billy Whizz
Oh man! DL and TP, great thread you guys, and one of the best user names I've seen in a long time TP! :-)))
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - DL
Keep it simple, I say!
Intermittent Peugeot Start Failure - Totem Prole
Why thank you Mr. Whizz!;-D>



A new petrol head mate informs me the "click" I hear can only possibly emanate from the starter motor as it fails to engage.

So that's one mystery solved, I suppose.