Crank sensor, starter or battery?

My Jimny refused to start last week. It was warm and had been sitting for 15 mins. It didn't make what I recognise as a 'proper' solenoid click, just a quiet buzz, didn't turn over at all. After 30 mins waiting for recovery I tried again and it started. Engine light was on so I took it for diagnosis. They found 'crank sensor' code and replaced the sensor.

Everything went fine then it happened again today. It was well warmed up and same again, just a quiet buzz.
I called out recovery and he checked alternator - charging fine. He put jump leads on and reached down to the starter and it started. He advised getting the battery checked and that it could be the starter.
The engine light was on so I took it straight in to the garage. They got a PO335. I googled that. I didn't realise these fault codes are generic so it said online it depends on the vehicle but could be crank sensor but may also be starter.
The garage checked the battery and said it seemed OK.

Anyone experienced this? I have been told that if it is the sensor it would still turn over but not start. Is this right? It has been a bit slow to start a couple of time as if there was either no fuel or spark.

Ray

Mine sometimes doesn't start I clean wires up or wiggle them and it's fine . So check wiring to starter, may have corroded slightly? But also sometimes if I've been in deep mud bogs etc the day before the starter doesn't work I tap it with a small hammer it frees it off and works fine
Failing that I'd be tempted to try another starter take a small hammer with you on your next trip :laugh:

I had a similar issue a couple of years ago and it turned out to be the solenoid on the starter motor. Sometimes it would start fine, other times it would need a tap with a hammer. Replaced the starter motor and it was fine again.

I would think it is likely to be a problem with the starter or one of the ground connections. The crank sensor error is probably bogus - the ECU has detected the starter is switched but not seen a crank sensor signal after n seconds so its flagged an error; it can't tell that the real issue is that the engine isn't turning. Maybe your mechanic should have thought one through before replacing the sensor.

Just read this and from the outset was thinking starter solenoid, then was horrified to read a mechanic went straight to the crank sensor.

Never mind. You'll not suffer a failed crank sensor for a while!

Kirkynut

The garage is still going down the crank sensor route and believe the starter is fine. They have tried a few sensors, cleared the fault code and the same one came back. They said something about the 'voltage drop' also confirms it is the sensor.
They are going to check the wiring and try a Suzuki sensor (which they are having trouble getting hold of)
At least this is covered by warranty!

Ray