Recent new owner starting problems

[UIL9794]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I'm a fairly new recent owner 94 Chim400. I seem to be having some problems in getting her to start first, second third or even fourth time. From cold in the morning no problems just get in and turn the key simple. Later on ie coming home from work 8 or 9 hours later and it doesn't seem to be to easy - should i be pressing the pedal, leaving it alone or what? I also have similar problems when just popping to the shops and it's warm, not starting when i come out untill about the fifth time. It gets a little embrassing being in such a nice attention attracting car then sitting htere turning it over and over.

Any thoughts anyone - whats the secert. My dealer and an independant can start it fist time if it's hot or cold?

Thank you
Lee

[.Mark]

Tricky one that, I never think too much about the starting process and it never differs if the engine is hot or cold.
Thinking it through though, unlock the doors, get in, turn key and listen for the fuel pump to prime, turn the engine. I never touch the throttle, just let it idle for a couple of seconds while I check the oil pressure begins to climb. Hit the loud pedal to 5000rpm, select first gear, move foot sideways off the clutch. (I made the last bit up).

What happens with yours exactly? Does it never fire, does it pick up lumpy then die, does seem like it might fire then doesn't?

[moschops_72]

i always start mine the following way.

(using immob key is just my way, my immob cuts back in after 8 seconds, so if car is locked, time it takes to get in, put my head unit on, and put key in ignition is normally longer than 8 seconds)

Use immobiliser key (not remote sender) do disengage immobiliser.
Key in ignition straight after, and turn key till i hear the petrol pump wirr away.
turn ignition key to start her up, no depressing of the "loud" pedal, just let her start on her own (obviosly if it takes more than 5 seconds summat is not right)
Can't remember ever having a problem starting her up, well, apart from realising the immobiliser is engaged.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

[UIL9794]

Hi,

When turning the key the starter motor turns over at the correct speed the engine just seem to 'catch' / 'fire'. I only leave it turning over for perhaps 2 seconds at the most does it generally take longer? Should i be ready with the loud pedal for when it catch's?

This is the only part of ownership i don't like otherwise i use the car daily and have no problems in the first three months - maybe i'm just c4ap at getting the starting right.

Thanks
Lee

[.Mark]

Give it a little longer than 2 seconds, I've never counted but suspect mine is running in less than 5 seconds.
Be ready to ease it in to life with a little throttle if really needed but be sure not to over-rev before the oil presuure has built up.

[UIL9794]

Thanks Mark i'll give it a little longer when i leave work tonight - roof off as it's sunny!

Lee

[UIL9794]

I think i may not have been helping the starting. Mainly because if it hadn't fired after a second or two i would turn the key back, wait a second, turn the key again (the pump would prime again) then i'd try again.

Lee

[caro]

When I collected my car from the dealer (it's w reg, 2000), they told me to depress the clutch pedal while starting. Don't know if this would help you, but might be worth a try. I also wait till the pump has primed (that whirr it makes), and give it about three seconds on turning the key.

[jessica]

I was told to start with the key and no throttle.
Mine went through a stage of getting slower and slower to catch on starting.The guys at dealership I believe replaced one of the temp. senders for me and now He starts first time everytime in 2 secs..

[UIL9794]

Thanks for the reply Jessica, any ideas how much the temp sensor cost to have corrected. I've just been looking through the bible and i think you're right, does seem like those can cause problems.

Lee

[jessica]

no idea what it cost got 12 months warrenty when i bought it .. so free ........sorry.

[ribol]

You should always depress the clutch before cranking the engine to get it started on any car. It can only help - especially if the battery, starter or connections are not 100%. Costs nothing to try it.

Ivan

[simpo two]

ribol said:

You should always depress the clutch before cranking the engine to get it started on any car. It can only help - especially if the battery, starter or connections are not 100%. Costs nothing to try it. Ivan

I've alwyas done this ever since learning to drive - in fact my instructor pulled me up for it. I think that once, very early on, I must have tried to start a car while it was in gear - and depressing the clutch is a sure way to avoid that 1/1000 chance of headbutting the garage wall!