Starting problems...

[chrisquy]

24k mile W Reg Series 1 – recently with a new battery fitted and a recent service.

Car last used Saturday lunchtime when all running well. I recently fitted a new 52mm TB and a Hurricane (2-3 weeks back). Since then, have noticed that the car was becoming increasingly difficult to start unless it was coaxed with a touch of throttle as the engine caught. Once the engine did catch, it still required another couple of blips to prevent stalling before the engine settled back to a steady tickover. Once running the engine feels stronger than ever and appears in rude health.

I simply put this starting hesitation down to incorrectly resetting the IACV? Was on the list of jobs to do, along with re-checking all the connections but everything seemed OK.

Before I got a chance to do a thorough check, I went away over this weekend leaving the car outside at home (no garage). Understand the weather was foul with particularly heavy rain. Getting in to use the car Monday morning, car will not start.

Ignition lights on, fuel pump primes, then the ominous click click click noise. At first attempt, the engine tries to turn but subsequent attempts nothing at all, just the clicking.

I presume this click is the starter motor solenoid?

Have checked connections, all seem OK, battery is showing 13V, my question is this; is this a – starter motor problem, something connected to ham-fisted TB installation, heavy rain and water ingress over the last few days (engine bay very wet) or combination of all three?

Any solutions, thoughts or remedies greatly appreciated. I’ve spent the last few hours searching for similar problems but have resorted to posting instead of lurking in desperation! (Also posted to SELOC).

TIA Chris

[minor5]

I presume this click is the starter motor solenoid?


spot on first time!

[Gad-Westy]

It is is a solenoid problem. Give it a tap with a hammer and see if that cures it (seriously!). You could also try rocking the car in gear to see if that frees it off. If, either of these work, I'm afraid they're likely to be temporary fixes and you'll need a new starter motor.

[ptp170]

Have you reset the TPS for the ECU? The ECU will need to learn the new max/min values to run correctly.

[chrisquy]

Thanks guys - will be giving it a whack later on, starter motor was I must admit my original thoughts...

With regards resetting the TPS, is the procedure for this the same as resetting the IACV? I presumed it was the same method of 5 sharp prods on the throttle for the ECU to reset? Have I missed something?

Any other thoughts or suggestions? The cross post on Seloc has only generated one response so far linking problem to battery or connection which is another area to investigate further this evening.

Edited by chrisquy on Wednesday 16th April 12:48

[minor5]

Gad-Westy said:

It is is a solenoid problem. Give it a tap with a hammer and see if that cures it (seriously!). You could also try rocking the car in gear to see if that frees it off. If, either of these work, I'm afraid they're likely to be temporary fixes and you'll need a new starter motor.

this will not work, hitting it only applies to a inertia starter's! you will need to get it off and either repair it or change the starter motor

Edited by minor5 on Wednesday 16th April 17:59

[ptp170]

chrisquy said:

Thanks guys - will be giving it a whack later on, starter motor was I must admit my original thoughts...

With regards resetting the TPS, is the procedure for this the same as resetting the IACV? I presumed it was the same method of 5 sharp prods on the throttle for the ECU to reset? Have I missed something?

Any other thoughts or suggestions? The cross post on Seloc has only generated one response so far linking problem to battery or connection which is another area to investigate further this evening.

Edited by chrisquy on Wednesday 16th April 12:48

I think the prods have to be done very quickly for it to actually work properly:

http://wiki.seloc.org/a/Throttle_Position_Sensor

The other issues after changing a TB may include:

Loose/leaking purge cannister hose (the little one by the throttle body)

Incorrectly set idle control screw (i.e. butterfly is open a little bit weaking the mixture)

On the TPS plug, the female pins may have opened out a little and might not be making continous good contact-pinch the connectors slighty for a good fit. REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE TPS RESET PROCEDURE AFTER THIS!




Chris

[chrisquy]

UPDATE....

Tried starting car with starter pack tonight - started first time, no need for throttle, car idled smoothly, no fuss at all.

Checked all connections - all seemed OK, have now connected car up to trickle charge where it will be sitting until weekend.

Battery brand new 3 months ago so will be contacting main dealer to see if new battery could be a contender.

Alternator / alt connection was a thought having had a loose connection before but all seems well there so ruling that out for the time being...

Anyone else had an experience with a new battery in a car used several times a week (not just short journeys) that has not lasted?

Thanks for all the above responses so far - will keep updated with progress/solution. Chris.

[ptp170]

chrisquy said:

UPDATE....

Tried starting car with starter pack tonight - started first time, no need for throttle, car idled smoothly, no fuss at all.

Checked all connections - all seemed OK, have now connected car up to trickle charge where it will be sitting until weekend.

Battery brand new 3 months ago so will be contacting main dealer to see if new battery could be a contender.

Alternator / alt connection was a thought having had a loose connection before but all seems well there so ruling that out for the time being...

Anyone else had an experience with a new battery in a car used several times a week (not just short journeys) that has not lasted?

Thanks for all the above responses so far - will keep updated with progress/solution. Chris.

Measure the voltage at the battery terminals whilst the engine is running. If the voltage is too low can cause the ECU to go a bit nuts or the battery is fooked then this causes great strain on the diodes in the alternator.
Chris