Strange starting problem

[vesuvius996]

Odd one this. Haven't used the car much over the last month or so.

Today I got in, turned the ignition key, all lights on, normal oil level check, then turned the key that last turn to start and nothing. Dead.

Anyway, did the obvious thing and got out, shut it up, armed the immobiliser, then disarmed it, got in and tried again by very firmly turning the key. Fine, it started.

Over the day it sometimes took two or three goes but each time it would start eventually. Then after 10 or 11 starts today it now seems fine and started five times one after the other on the trot.

So, what do we think? Dusty contacts in the ignition barrel which just needed using a few times, or something more worrying?

Anyone else had a similar problem?

Thanks


>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Sunday 12th March 18:37

[Irish]

I would suspect your battery is on its last legs (especially if you have not been using it much). I had the same issue a few weeks back (after leaving the car for three weeks). Enough power to open/close and light up the dash but not enough to turn over.

A

[vesuvius996]

Thanks but it did start - plenty of juice in the battery so it would seem.

It's almost as if there was some crud on the ignition barrel which has now been removed by a few good turns of the key...?

[Raven Flyer]

Sticky starter solenoid.

[ballcock]

It's the curse of the cover girl model!
Your car is after getting jumped up ideas about itself and now won't get out of bed for less than .... etc etc!

[BliarOut]

Raven Flyer said:

Sticky starter solenoid.

They usually click audibly in rapid succession when they're stuck.

[phelix]

Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight.