Difficult starting

2000 Peugeot 406 1.9 Rapier Diesel Estate
Car: Peugeot 406
Year: 2000
Variant: 1.9 Rapier Diesel Estate
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Before when I turned my ignition on ready to start the car, there was a humming noise coming from under the bonnet and no starting problems. Around 4 or 5 times over the last 3 weeks, my car has either fired up and immediately died, or eventually fired up after removing key, locking car, trying again etc,(I thought it could be an immoboliser problem, but realise now that it isn't) The starter motor whirrs like a good 'un, and the battery is 100%, it just doesn't attempt to fire up. I don't think it's the heater plugs as the car sometimes fails to fire when hot after a run. This morning though, my car started and immediately died. It took me half an hour to start it. In the process of trying, I noticed the 'hum' from under the bonnet had stopped, but I could then hear the fuel tank pump whirring, which I suspect is normal. Eventually, after a while,on turning on the ignition, the hum under the bonnet returned, and the car fired up and ran like a dream as always.
Is there anyone out there who can help?
Thanks ..... Dexy
Problem added: Oct 10, 2011 (12 years ago)
Later news.
The 'humming under the bonnet' was actually a humming from under the rear seat, and was the high pressure fuel pump 'inside' the fuel tank.
I'd noticed the humming was getting louder as time went on, and I now know that this louder humming was a sign that the pump was about to give in. The replacement pump hardly makes a whisper and is working 100%. So if you notice a louder humming just prior to starting your car, get ready to fit a replacement pump. If your car refuses to start because of this problem, remove the 6" round disc under the rear driver's side passenger seat, and get someone to tap the pump below it lightly with a wooden stick or something whilst you keep turning the ignition key on and off. This should get you going, but then you must keep your engine running. To supply pump, and fit it (by accessing it under the back seat) my garage charged me £80. All in all, a good result.
Answered Oct 12, 2011 (12 years ago)

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