Starting Issue

[Fire99]

Hi all,

My Chimaera has been sitting for quite a while but has rarely had any starting issues from cold. It had a relay problem once but they were replaced and all was well again.

The issue the car has mysteriously now got (out of the blue) is a complete non-attempt to start. The fuel pump primes ok but there is no dimming of the dash lights or anything when I turn the key to start.

Before I delve to deeply, does anyone have any obvious things to check?

Any advice is always greatly appreciated.

rgds,

Nick

[QBee]

I assume you locked the car, unlocked and tried again? Sounds like it could be an immobiliser issue.

[Fire99]

Yeah locked, unlocked, locked (and repeat )

[jojackson4]

As Qbee says
No dimming of lights then there's nowt happening on the start circuit

[QBee]

I can think of:
Starter solenoid
Immobiliser
Ignition switch

No idea how to diagnose however... But someone who has got a clue will be along.

Just to confirm, electrics are working, so lights work, indicators work, fuel pump primes (you said so)? So not the 80 amp fuse

[Fire99]

Thanks guys..

Yep, lights, indicators etc etc work. Fuel pump primes as per norm. Just no attempt for anything to happen when you turn the ignition to 'start' position..

[jojackson4]

There was a post 6-7 months and it was the swich side of the ignition (not the barle)
Time to crack the multi meter out

[Fire99]

Interesting stuff.. I'll dig the meter out and see how we go. Many thanks..

[ukdj]

If the ignition switch checks out ok, move on to testing the immobiliser . . .


whilst attempting to start the car with the key held in the start position give the underside of the passenger dash near the transmission tunnel a good thump or two, if the starter kicks into life you have a sticky immobiliser relay and should get it replaced.

some people may suggest fitting a "hot start kit", but to be honest this is just masking the real problem and will only buy you a limited amount of time before the immobiliser relay fails completely leaving you stranded at the most inconvenient time!

[jojackson4]

And if that fails pull the small wire from the starter and see if you get 12v + there
If you do it's looking like your starter whants some work

[Fire99]

Thanks guys... Some good steps to try..

I'll report back.

[977]

I got the silly starter motor from here after some grief from the original:

http://tvr-parts.com/tvr-parts/part-details/tvr-03...

Expensive but doesn't half scare the motor into life - seems to be really nicely built.

[ianwayne]

Bloody hell £352!

I found this Range Rover one to be ample (£63), fitted in December. 1.8kw (careful ,some are 1.4kw). May regret it come a very hot summers day but it's OK so far:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-LAND-ROVER-RANGE-ROV...

[jojackson4]

Got mine recond
£85
New bushers
New solenode
Tested
Cleaned in and out painted
Genuine land rover item

[Fire99]

Well I'll test everything before getting too much into starter motors

[Fire99]

I thought I'd report back since you all were very helpful.

Had a new battery delivered and dash lights dimmed when I tried to turn it over but no starter motor.
Anyway, put a charger with 'boost' function on it and the car fired into life.

I've now fitted the modwise kit that I've had kicking around for forever and a day and so far it's started, stopped, started again etc so without getting too complacent, it seems a fairly simple fix has been found.

Thanks all for your help..