tonight i hopped in my car after soccer training went to start the car, got ignition lights and everything. went that extra turn on the key to start it and boom nothing happens. kept trying another 4-5 times and nothing happened. my mate grabbed my breaker bar gave it a few wacks and then the same happened. then i just kept trying to start it then it finally turned over..

i get home switch the car off for 5 mins, check out and clean the battery terminals and then the same happenned it didnt wanna kick over.. so i held the key at the start bit for about 5 seconds then let go and the starter made a weird noise then after that it began to start and kick over without any problems..

can anyone tell me what the problem is? i have a spare starter motor sitting at home that i can swap in but i dont wanna have to do it if its an easy fix.

cheers.

It is impossible to determine what is causing this. Testing is the way to confirm the cause.

The most common cause of these symptoms is a bad battery cable connection. However since you cleaned them and it made no difference, it seems that is not the case in your situation.

The next most likely cause perhaps is the starter itself.

Another somewhat common cause is the ignition switch.

Is the starter making a loud clicking sound when you turn the key to start? If not most likely the solenoid isn't working (or not getting 12V from the ignition switch) properly.

If you are getting no noise at all, pull the small wire off the starter soelnoid and check it for 12V when the key is in start position, 12V means the ignition switch is good and starter solenoid is dud. 0V means the ignition switch probably is dud.

ok cheers. will do today when i get back from uni..

Okay well I tested the little connection on the starter motor and it gave me 11.8 volts.. Is this alright?

Yes that is good. So it must be a mechanical problem. Time to swap your spare starter into place.

Will I need to do it as soon as possible or can it wait a few days until I get time? I do still drive it everyday

Up to you whether you want to wait and possibly be stranded somewhere if you can't start the car..

Easy job..
Disconnect the battery (earth first then positive), disconnect wiring from starter (battery cable and starter solenoid wire), remove starter (two bolts).
Reverse process to fit new starter..

you can always clutch it ;)

but yeah it is pretty simple done it before.. probably end up doing it tomorrow after workk