tim m said:

I have an N reg 300tdi auto discovery which I've had for about four months now. Ever since I got it its been a bit tricky to start, especially on cold days. It's like there isn't enough juice in the battery (despite having had a new battery) - it turns over very slowly. I often have to give it some pedal to get it to start. Anyway, over the last few days the problem has got significantly worse. Yesterday morning it started without any drama, I drove 15 miles, parked for 10 minutes, when I went to start it again, not a sausage. This time it was like the battery was totally drained. Fortunately I had a friend with me so we hooked his battery up to mine and jump started mine - it started ok. I spent the day driving around - the car started fine. Then late afternoon, I went to start it again, and like before it wouldn't do anything. When I turned the key there was a noise which sounded like the starter motor engaging, but there didn't seem to be enough power to turn it over. I rang another friend who drove to where I was to attempt to jump start it, but we couldn't get anything out of it. After a little while of revving the "rescue" car, I tried mine again. This time the starter was running, but clearly not engaging the engine. I tried quite a few more times, but it just would get engage. In the end we gave up and towed it home which is where it is sitting now.

I'm not particularly mechanical, but I am guessing the starter motor is knackered. Does anybody have any other suggestions? If it is the starter motor, is it quite an easy part to replace?
I’m reluctant to think it’s the battery or alternator, as I think there is plenty of juice in the battery. The fact that we managed to jump start it yesterday morning is a bit weird, but maybe just coincidence……….

Thanks

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