Won't start after a period of non use

[taylormj4]

Hello,
Had this problem coming on for a while I think but couldn't work out what it was.

Have noticed that if my Chimaera 450 (usually daily driver) is not used for a week or so, sometimes the ignition switch feels like it hits the peg (starting position) and nothing happens for nearly a second before it fires up. Not a big problem but indicative that something was up.

Been away so car not used for around 2 weeks and now won't start - not even turning over.
Initially suspected battery a little low (11.5V) but even with jumper battery, still no good.
Tried swapping the ignition relays, no effect.
Fuel pump primes OK. Doors unlock and immobiliser appears to disarm.
Tried disarming using the pipper and the push-in key thing.

If key is turned to IGN, the IGN and OIL lights dim, which suggests the IGN key switch is working.

Have had the hot start thing for years but it only occurs once or twice a year and even then starts after 20mins so not a biggy.

Can the hot start issue also occur after a period of non-use ?

Thanks.

[ChilliWhizz]

I'd take a stab at it being the starter motor... Had lots of problems with mine before fitting a new one

[taylormj4]

Thanks, could be starter motor / solenoid.

If it's a bit gummed up with crud that could be why it's less likely to start after a period of standing still.

Maybe a clonk with a big hammer would sort it out ha ha.

[Cerberus90]

taylormj4 said:

Thanks, could be starter motor / solenoid.

If it's a bit gummed up with crud that could be why it's less likely to start after a period of standing still.

Maybe a clonk with a big hammer would sort it out ha ha.

If you can reach it with a hammer, give it a go. We have a hammer in our 1600M for this exact purpose. Sometimes the starter doesn't throw and just spins up, couple of whacks with the hammer and it's fine (really wants replacing for a high torque starter). Was a bit embarrassing when it happened at the petrol station,

[taylormj4]

Cerberus90 said:

If you can reach it with a hammer, give it a go. We have a hammer in our 1600M for this exact purpose. Sometimes the starter doesn't throw and just spins up, couple of whacks with the hammer and it's fine (really wants replacing for a high torque starter). Was a bit embarrassing when it happened at the petrol station,

Ha ha, yes I learnt this technique from my Grampy who had the same problem with the starter in his Austin Maxi (remember them ?). He used to hold the IGN to the Start position and I had to hit the starter motor to get the solenoid to free up and make the contacts for the starter to spin up.

When that technique finally failed, he had to call the AA out. The AA man's solution ? Exactly the same but with a larger hammer !

[taylormj4]

Update: After returning from work, the car started first time !

Still 11.5V, so it wasn't the battery and presumably the key switch and starter motor are OK so it seems as though the 'hot start' issue may now have expanded into 'cold starts' too.

Is Carl Baker still about and repairing the META immobiliser systems ?