pre-engaged starter motor fault

[YMJ]

Not the Mini but on the Panda 4x4.....

the car has been at rest for several years and now the motor just spins without engaging.

Is this terminal (and thus need part-exchanging for a new one) or will a couple of squirts of WD40 and few taps with a mallet sort it out?

Thanks

[captain]

more than likely to be a solenoid fault check the small wire connection first, a good chap wont do any harm,get someone to hold the key over to the start position and give it a couple o chaps

[YMJ]

It was quite easy, as it turned out. The drive gear was just a little stuck on the shaft. Stripped it down, a few taps and a squirt of WD. Good as new.