First problem(s)
Discussion
Watcha chaps,
53 plate Cerb 4.2 (or 4.5 if the badge is to be believed) has had its first toy-throwing session, it had to happen at some point I suppose.
Some background: Car's been absolutely fine for the 4 or so months I've owned it. Parked it up just after Christmas, went to start it 10 or so days later, battery was too flat to start it - no big deal. I went out, bought a booster pack, car started fine. However, I couldn't shift the car into gear. Tried starting with car in reverse and foot on clutch and diagnosed the clutch was dragging - engine was turning but laboured. No problem I thought, must just have blown a line or need bleeding.
Current problem: Came home early this afternoon to do a bit more diagnosis. Opened car up fine, connected booster pack to battery and what I considered to be a good earth. Now I'd noted from sitting in the car briefly (remembering the good times we've shared) that the clutch pedal is now incredibly light. Anyway, I got out of the car, put the window down, closed the driver's door and put my arm in to press the starter button. Here's the fun part - the car turned over once, then promptly put the window up and now refuses to respond to stimuli. One advantage I suppose is that the bonnet is unlocked. Small mercies...
So my questions are thus: Firstly how can I wake my apparently hibernating car up? Secondly, what's the prognosis for "really bloody light clutch pedal"?
Many thanks!
53 plate Cerb 4.2 (or 4.5 if the badge is to be believed) has had its first toy-throwing session, it had to happen at some point I suppose.
Some background: Car's been absolutely fine for the 4 or so months I've owned it. Parked it up just after Christmas, went to start it 10 or so days later, battery was too flat to start it - no big deal. I went out, bought a booster pack, car started fine. However, I couldn't shift the car into gear. Tried starting with car in reverse and foot on clutch and diagnosed the clutch was dragging - engine was turning but laboured. No problem I thought, must just have blown a line or need bleeding.
Current problem: Came home early this afternoon to do a bit more diagnosis. Opened car up fine, connected booster pack to battery and what I considered to be a good earth. Now I'd noted from sitting in the car briefly (remembering the good times we've shared) that the clutch pedal is now incredibly light. Anyway, I got out of the car, put the window down, closed the driver's door and put my arm in to press the starter button. Here's the fun part - the car turned over once, then promptly put the window up and now refuses to respond to stimuli. One advantage I suppose is that the bonnet is unlocked. Small mercies...
So my questions are thus: Firstly how can I wake my apparently hibernating car up? Secondly, what's the prognosis for "really bloody light clutch pedal"?
Many thanks!
First, thse cars (well mine at least) are very sensitive to battery condition - mine went into a "ignore all attempts to press buttons / arm / disarm" funk a few weeks ago, just because the battery wasn't fully charged. Well it was pretty flat to be honest. I connected up a trickle charger for a couple of days and it's been fine since. So I would make sure the battery is fully charged, and that any booster pack is REALLY well connected.
Clutch - I would start by checking that there is fluid in the reservoir - it's under a sealed-in hatch under the windscreen panel on the nearside inner wing. If the reservoir is full, then it may just need bled. You could try checking underneath to see if the clutch arm is moving when you press the pedal - if it's not, then there's a leak or air in the system somewhere!
Hope this helps you make a start to diagnosis - try these steps and see how it goes.
Clutch - I would start by checking that there is fluid in the reservoir - it's under a sealed-in hatch under the windscreen panel on the nearside inner wing. If the reservoir is full, then it may just need bled. You could try checking underneath to see if the clutch arm is moving when you press the pedal - if it's not, then there's a leak or air in the system somewhere!
Hope this helps you make a start to diagnosis - try these steps and see how it goes.
Thanks guys, +ive terminal is definitely well connected - I'm using a lug on the power steering pump as my ground, presuming that's the large one at the front of the block?
Also: it's fitted with a Clifford G5 - but yes that's unresponsive and not flashing happily.
I'll give it a go starting tomorrow morning once it's had time to think about how badly behaved it's been, then investigate the (rather arse-ache sounding) clutch reservoir. What do I use to seal it back up with?
Also: it's fitted with a Clifford G5 - but yes that's unresponsive and not flashing happily.
I'll give it a go starting tomorrow morning once it's had time to think about how badly behaved it's been, then investigate the (rather arse-ache sounding) clutch reservoir. What do I use to seal it back up with?
Gophur said:
Thanks guys, +ive terminal is definitely well connected - I'm using a lug on the power steering pump as my ground, presuming that's the large one at the front of the block?
Also: it's fitted with a Clifford G5 - but yes that's unresponsive and not flashing happily.
I'll give it a go starting tomorrow morning once it's had time to think about how badly behaved it's been, then investigate the (rather arse-ache sounding) clutch reservoir. What do I use to seal it back up with?
bath sealant/mastic stuff is fine. It may also have a couple of self tapping screws under the mastic already so careful when you pry it off. Also: it's fitted with a Clifford G5 - but yes that's unresponsive and not flashing happily.
I'll give it a go starting tomorrow morning once it's had time to think about how badly behaved it's been, then investigate the (rather arse-ache sounding) clutch reservoir. What do I use to seal it back up with?
Check the fluid is low of full of black bits. Lots of info her about clutches master and slave cylinders.
My slave went after 40miles! and I also burned through 2 clutches the fingers snap.
Ensure your battery is fully topped up.
verminator said:
Unless you dont have power, why doesnt everybody use an ultimate or some other battery chager? I leave my cars sometimes for months without any starting probs.
Mine lives outside sadly, otherwise yes I agree that's the most desirable situation.A quick update, it now locks and unlocks when connected to the booster back, but it won't start. I'll bring the battery in over the weekend and charge it up, and investigate the clutch fluid while the scuttle is off.
Ta for the info so far chaps, I'll let you know how I get on at the weekend.
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