Starter Problem

[bigdods]

I've had a quick search and I think my problem may be the immobiliser, but thought it worth asking to see if someone can answer for sure...

Went out today, disabled immobiliser turned key and no starter. Not even a click from the solenoid. All dash lights came on, fuel pump primed ok. Turned on headlights , then turned key and the lights dont dim at all. I have the hot start kit fitted and can hear the relay clicking in when I turn the key so there seems to be power getting through. I've tried bashing the underside of the dash (recommended in several threads for unsticking relays).

Knackered starter ?

Cheers

Dodsy

[Wicker Man]

Thi first thing I would check is the hot start kit connections. If you have 'choc-block' connections they can come loose. You could just tighten them, but it's best to fit properly crimped inline splices.

Next I'd check the battery terminals and leads for security and condition.

Then I'd measure the voltage at the starter solenoid when you are attempting to crank. Alternately you can connect a reasonable stout (10A) wire from the starter solenoid terminal directly to the battery positive. If it cranks your starter motor is OK.

[Chequred Demon]

I had exactly this problem, but very infrequently.

It has not happened for a while now and I suspect "pilot error" was the cause as I have changed my starting technique (its all in the wrist).

Just check 2 things, before changing the imobiliser, (which could well be the real cause).

1. The red imobiliser light has extinguished before you turn the key.
2. Only press the plipper for 1 second and let go. Wait for the pump to prime and after that the imobiliser light to go out. My Chimp can take 3-4 seconds for that to happen.

[blujay10]

I would definately say that it is the immobiliser. I had exaclty the same issues. Apparently the orig ones are fitted with relays that are not up to the job. I had a new one fitted and all fine now. The alarm unit will need to be sent off to the immobiliser supply so that they can talk to each other. Early symptons were temporarily cured by tapping the underside of the passenger dash with the key fully turned.
As has been said loads of times before, Carl Baker is your man!
www.tvruk.tv or 0772 072 3407

[P100]

Try measuring your battery voltage first..
I had this fault yesterday and it turned out to be low battery voltage due to a dischared battery.
The immobilsers is barely operational at 10.8 volts and a recharge of the battery cured the fault!
HTH
Roy

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

bigdods said:

Went out today, disabled immobiliser turned key and no starter. Not even a click from the solenoid. y

When same thing happened to me the connector had broken that feeds power to starter, and cable was dangling.

[Cider Andy]

As you can hear the 'hot start' relay, you can rule out an immobiliser problem. Check the hot start relay connections first. Beyond that it would appear the starter motor or its piggy-back solenoid are at fault.

If the starter motor/solenoid assembly is weak, through age and/or heat, the hot start fix can prolong its life but ultimately the symptoms you have will appear.

[bigdods]

Had a proper look today, found the 20A fuse in the hot start kit had blown. Replaced fuse, turned key and 'click' from the solenoid but no action. Turn ignition off and back on and Brmmmmm she starts. Weyhey I think, but also wondering why it blew in the first place. Well I soon found out. Put all the gubbins back in, tested again (as you do) and get a 'click' from the solenoid then a 'pop' as the fuse blows again. Bugger

So its new starter time. As its 11 months old time to get in touch with the supplier I think as the last one was the original and was 10 years old when it finally gave up !

[chrispitman]

If the solenoid is clicking in and out and it is not starting then I would check the + from battery and starter connections, also worth checking the - from engine to chasis of driver side.

[bigdods]

I will be dropping it into topcats when I get a chance have them check it over. But Im pretty sure its the starter, further experiments (and several fuses later) and I know that if I turn the key off as soon as I get the click from the solenoid, then turn the key back it will start straight away. Sounds like somethings broken in the starter dept but I'm sure warren will get to the bottom of it !

[czechmate]

Czechmate here. Had my Chim for two years now and no probs. Guy asks me how reliable is your car bud? Now jinxed!!!!
Help needed. Went to the garage today, (as usual) for more play juice and tyre pressure check. Come to start and no go. New battery fitted by AA, fired up and got home. Stalled on entering garage, oooops! Would not restart. Armed and disarmed, and all I get is a hissing type noise from the boot area......strange....HELP...