First came across the problem when I spent about 2 hours cleaning the car and then realised Id left the ignition on, doh, and the car wouldn't start. Left it turned off though and came back to it about half an hour later and it then started fine.

It then got worse and I couldn't leave the ignition on at all after turning the engine off without causing it problems unless I left it for a while and then started it.

Now in the mornings when I come to start it wont turn over properly, but If hold the key in the starting position the starter motor starts to build up momentum and eventually starts the car, it sounds like a steam train building up speed!!

I had the battery checked by Halfords and it had 60% life, but it did show up an anonymous error normally related to an earth leak apparently. So I think it must be the starter solenoid that isn't charging properly.

Anyone seen this before?

Ahh cheers for the heads up then lol, I'll get that checked out this morning

If you haven't resolved this fault yet, you are best off to run a couple of new earthing straps from the body to the engine and gearbox.

This should solve your issue.

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"Supercharged - 454.1bhp/317.5lb/ft"
Peugeot 306 GTi-6
2000 (X), Moonstone