400SE - NOT STARTING

[Iain J]

My 400SE has decided not to start. It has been running fine, but has sat idle all through Christmas and New Year until now. I think that this is an ignition problem, as I cannot get an HT spark when I crank it over.

To be honest I am up to my eyes in work, and cannot afford the time to start tinkering around with it. Can anyone recommend a mechanic/vehicle electrician in Kent? I am living in Dover, and I would rather not have to move the car on a trailer etc.

[rev-erend]

Iain

Has it got an alarm / immobaliser as that would be the first thing that I suspected.

I'm not a Kent local - so other than Waldenway and Leven don't know any small garages.

[GV]

Try the following - will take a few minutes and might save the cost of a mechanic.

1. Check ignition fuses in case there was a short when you first started up.

2. Check to see if there is a spark from the coil - if not check connections
replace coil if necessary.

3. If there is a spark from the coil check to see if there is spark from the dizzy. If not clean or replace rotor arm, check condition of dizzy cap. If the contacts are dirty clean or replace dizzy cap if necessary.

4. Undo ignition amp connections on the side of the dizzy and give it a clean - check connections to the coil.

Shouldn't take long to do and might solve your problem if its not related to your alarm if you have one.

[Iain J]

Many thanks for the quick replies. It does have a alarm/immobiliser, but I thought that this was completely disconnected a couple of years ago when I had a similar problem. Perhaps not...!!

I will try the other tips this evening and see if they help.

Many thanks again

Iain

[dickymint]

Try a new battery - you'd be surprised how much spark you need.

[Iain J]

Problem stayed on Friday, but then it suddenly fired up. I think it is something in the bowels of the alarm/immobiliser so I will get this completely removed.

Thanks for all the help.

Iain