Another starting problem!

[s,one]

I have an intermittent problem with my car. I jump in turn the key everything lights up as normal press the button and then nothing. Its the same using either the button or the key. Then I leave the car for say 10 minutes and hey presto starts first time.
As I say this happens probably once every few weeks, infrequent I know but annoying all the same.
Any ideas?.

Cheers

Steve

[Gadgeroonie]

is it turning over ?

does the fuel pump prime ?

which ecu do you have ?

[snuffy]

If it turns but does not fire it sounds just like a problem I had on my old Clio a couple of years ago. Most of the time it started fine, then every once in a while it would turn away but not start. If I left it for a few minutes it would start with no problem.

The man from the RAC sussed it out after it failed to go. It was the fuel pump relay.

[rsnoble]

Does this happen when the engine is hot or cold?

[s,one]

Doesn't matter if the engine is cold or hot and it is not turning over. But when it does turn over it will fire and run straight away. It doesn't sound as if the starter motor is binding or struggling for power as it starts instantly when it catches.

[Gadgeroonie]

this sounds like an ecu fault somebody else had

if you put a screwdriver across the starter terminals does it turn over and fire then ?

[s,one]

Gadgeroonie said:

this sounds like an ecu fault somebody else had

if you put a screwdriver across the starter terminals does it turn over and fire then ?

dont know will have to try this. Is it easy enough to get at?.

[Gadgeroonie]

try bump starting it instead

[ajg31]

I had exactly this fault on mine. Turned out to be a dodgy wire under the clam going to the starter. I could get mine to start by directly touching the battery positive to the starter directly using a piece of wire. Might be worth trying next time she decides not to fire?

[Ash 996 GT2]

Do the relays click eratically when you do this?

Will sound a bit like a machine gun directly behind you.

Edited by Ash 996 GT2 on Tuesday 6th January 12:44

[s,one]

Ash 996 GT2 said:

Do the relays click eratically when you do this?

Will sound a bit like a machine gun directly behind you.

Edited by Ash 996 GT2 on Tuesday 6th January 12:44

No noise at all, it isn't like the selonoid (spl)or weak battery.

[s,one]

ajg31 said:

I had exactly this fault on mine. Turned out to be a dodgy wire under the clam going to the starter. I could get mine to start by directly touching the battery positive to the starter directly using a piece of wire. Might be worth trying next time she decides not to fire?

Cheers this sounds possible, is it called the exciter wire or something like that.