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Vauxhall Astra G Diesel - Astra G dead, 1.7 DTI, intermittent, no key clicks - 1litregolfeater

This car refused to start in the recent cold weather so I replaced the original 2001 battery, no brainer from the sofa. However it continued its recalcitrant behaviour into the warmer weather even with the new battery. Mortified after spending £60 I fiddled around with this and that and it seems ok now, after a few days.

I sprayed wd40 here and there, in a few connectors. Tightened the earth on the wheel arch which wasn't loose, similar with battery connectors. Remembering my old Ford, gave the starter motor a few knocks with a little hammer. Sprayed some wd40 in the ignition key.

What's the likely issues here? I reckon it's the ignition key barrel wearing out, or the starter motor needing some fix, bushes or a stuck solenoid?

Like I say, there was absolutely nothing when I turned the key. What goes wrong with these cars?

Vauxhall Astra G Diesel - Astra G dead, 1.7 DTI, intermittent, no key clicks - 1litregolfeater

Think it's a sticky solenoid as it failed again today after 5 days of being good, perked up with a sharp tap. Surprised cars are still like this.

I was hoping not to have to take the starter off as there's 6 feet of lino and a million rusty screws before you get to even look at it.