Starting issues

[Md]

So i've been having a lot of starting issues recently on my 2.0 D4D where it takes a few tries to turn over (sometimes with the help of the throttle).  If i dont hold the key in the turn over position for long enough it can sometimes take several tries to get it going (it used to start with little effort).  It usually sounds like it starts then cuts off immediately.  This has been going on for a while so thought i'd have it checked out when i had a full service although the Toyota specialists couldn't really find an issue.

Since then i dropped off a family member to collect their car from a garage and turned off the engine, but when i attempted to start the car it was totally dead.  Radio comes on, lights on dash, headlights work fine but not even making any attempt to turn over.  There is a strange humming/buzz coming from behind the dashboard near the radio that i have not noticed before and i hear a click when turning the ignition.  When trying to turn over with headlights on they stay on bright with no flicker so doubted a Battery issue.

AA turned up and said it was faulty earth strap but couldn't fix at the roadside as they couldn't access it.  They started it with booster (presume they hooked this up to Battery and bypassed the earth some how?)

The car still won't start without the booster so will be getting it in the garage monday.

My question is whether this earth strap might be the root of my startup issues? Has anyone had a similar experience? Where is this wire located on the engine?  Some references suggest below windscreen wash bottle ( which might make sense in relation to corosion if spilling water when topping up the tank).

Thanks to anyone who has time to answer.

[TomdeGuerre]

It could be the earth strap(s) at fault but from your description of clicking and buzzing it could be the starter itself, either a faulty solenoid plunger or dirty contacts. There was an issue with D4D starter motors which affected the Avensis and the Corolla Verso with the 1D-CDT25 engine (belt driven OHC, not timing chain) but not the Corolla, don't know offhand which engine is in your Auris. It would do no harm to check earth connections but I'd imagine the Toyota specialist would have checked that out during a full service.

[Md]

Thanks, how much is a replacement solinoid plunger these days?

[FROSTYBALLS]

One could send Parts-King a personal message, detailing your car (minimum reg.no) and what you want, and he should be able to provide a price.