General Starter motor solenoid not working

[Ric245]

After 10 hours of driving yesterday, I attempted to start my diesel Fieldmaster this morning. The starter motor spun freely but did not engage the engine. I crawled under the car and found what I thought might be the solenoid and gave it a tap with the back of my torch. My car started fine after that. The mechanic Ineos sent out said it probably needs a new starter motor. My car has done 17500kms and has not had its first service yet. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

 

[Clark Kent]

After 10 hours of driving yesterday, I attempted to start my diesel Fieldmaster this morning. The starter motor spun freely but did not engage the engine. I crawled under the car and found what I thought might be the solenoid and gave it a tap with the back of my torch. My car started fine after that. The mechanic Ineos sent out said it probably needs a new starter motor. My car has done 17500kms and has not had its first service yet. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

I think there has been maybe 3 reports including me, where the starter has spun and the engine has cranked but did not start. Diesel. Lock up the vehicle and walk away and it works fine after a short while. No root cause identified that I am aware of. It's a very distinctive cranking sound. Different to a frozen solenoid where the starter motor spins without engaging the ring gear.
Could that be what you had?

 

[Ric245]

No. This is definitely the starter motor spinning without engaging with the ring gear. The engine did not crank. After tapping the solenoid this morning, it has been OK since.