replacement starter motor not working

Good morning

My C3 1.4 HDi (2006) went to the mechanic because it was not starting. He discovered that the starter motor was burnt out and replaced it. After installing the new starter the car still does NOT start. He applied power direct to the starter and then the engine turns over. However when using the key in the ignition it does not start.

Backing up a couple of weeks, during the pandemic lock-down the car didn't travel much so once or twice I put the battery onto a charge. On one of those occasions I mixed the positive and neutral and almost started a fire in my house. (Just mentioning in case the two are related. That battery is still in the car and "working".)

I have read up in this forum about others who have had similar problems and three items seem to arise for consideration - a blown fuse, faulty ignition switch and resetting the BSI unit. My mechanic has looked at the fuses and has reset the BSI. Apparently he can't test the ignition switch. The current work-around is to install a separate button to trigger the starter motor.

We're just looking for any helpful input. How does one test the ignition switch? Is there anything else that could create this scenario? How do I start my car normally?

Check again the F8 25A Starter motor fuse in the BSM module (engine fuse box).

Remove the fuse and test it for continuity with a meter or circuit tester.

will do. thank you

Arfur Dent wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:40 am Check again the F8 25A Starter motor fuse in the BSM module (engine fuse box).

Remove the fuse and test it for continuity with a meter or circuit tester.

There may also be a hidden maxi fuse for the starter circuit on the 2006

have a look at Citroen C3 hiddem maxi fuse box for the maxi fuses. One of these is listed as 'ignition' which will also cover the starter circuit.

They are not easy to get to and often overlooked.

Thank you. I did come across this post while trolling this forum and forwarded the same to my mechanic. Although the specific fuse number (7) is new information to us, which I have sent to him as well.

my mechanic has confirmed that he has tested all those fuses

Was the battery in the car when you nearly started this fire? You may have burnt some of the wiring.........

Negative

Received the car back yesterday. My mechanic rewired a totally new and separate ignition circuit between ignition and the solenoid / starter motor. Car starts with key. However now I'm getting a "plip battery spent" fault on the centre console (along with some bulbs being faulty).