2002 Citroen Xsara won't start after having been driven.

Car: Citroen Xsara
Year: 2002
Variant: 2.0 VTS
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi,
My Xsara VTS does not like starting after I have used it. I need to leave it at least an hour before I can use it again.
So what happens is that when I try to turn it over again it sounds like it is struggling to turn over the starter motor and then the clock etc resets itself and there is a beep/bong noise. I then have to leave it for an hour or so before it will start which can be annoying when I'm shopping!!!
Can anyone help please, I suspect it may the battery but any advice gratefully accepted before I spend the money.
Posted: Sep 1, 2010 (13 years ago)
do you need to jump start it from cold?is the car ok when started first time?could be knackered starter motor,would get your battery tested and check alternator charge rate and starter wiring harness for damage,poor contact to earth etc
Posted Sep 1, 2010 (13 years ago)
As you say , would be worthwhile getting battery tested and alternator output also . Simple tests , most fast fit / accessory shops will do foc while you wait .Could also check all battery terminals and earths ,especially any from engine to body .Check starter connections and if still having problems , might need to get starter motor itself tested .Could be a "lazy " starter motor .
Posted Sep 1, 2010 (13 years ago)
The car will jump and then run absolutely fine. Everything else works ok, it just won't turn over. I did notice that the battery is a lot smaller than the battery bay in the engine so thinking that may be the problem but it's always been ok until the last few weeks, it now does it all the time. Starts fine when cold and then as soon as I turn it off it won't turn on again so I jump it in reverse which works first time usually.
Posted Sep 1, 2010 (13 years ago)
Strange how it's ok from cold, that's usually when starting faults are worse . But I think you should get the battery / alternator checked first and eliminate them , could also get draw on starter motor tested .
Posted Sep 1, 2010 (13 years ago)

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