Vectra starter motor

Hi

1996 Vectra 1.8 GLS. Starter motors "whirrs" without engaging for first
(typically) 6 to 12 attempts to start. Then, eventually, it engages and
engine starts OK.

First, the diagnosis. Is there any chance this could be weak battery / poor
earth / dirty connections or something similar? (BTW, dash lights barely
dim when whirring, but when I recharged over Xmas, it started first time
next morning...)

Second, if starter motor is broken, (a) how hard is it to swap? (b) approx
how much is a replacement? (c) should I go to Vauxhall shop, or can anyone
suggest another supplier? (d) is motor engagment mechanism-thingy
repairable? (e) how much might garage charge to do the job for me? (not too
keen right now on spending hours underneath in the cold and wet !)

Many thanks for any answers / help.

 

on your first point...
yes it could very well be down to a battery problem.
classic symptoms.
you 'should' be able to easily start the car with the headlights on full
beam.
if the lights being on makes the starter go slower then i would concur with
your thoughts.
either battery or poor earth etc etc.
have a good look around the straps

the rest i can't really help on apart from the wormgear engager.
often road crud etc can jam it up.
a quick look by someone & a wire brush might help.

mike

 

Many thanks for your comments Mike - sorry I didn't reply earlier, but been
knocked out by a bug, so haven't been able to check it out yet.

If I do have to have a new starter fitted, anyone here got any clues on
approx costs?

TIA