Auto-electrician in Berkshire?

[Riknos]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know a good auto-electrician in the area they can recommend? Someone mobile if possible, as I can't quite get my car started, and I've run out of electrical knowledge now.

Many thanks.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Are you sure it's an electrical problem?

[Riknos]

No. But after replacing the battery, starter motor, battery terminals, boot earth strap I'm guessing it must be. I also ran an external earth cable from the battery to the alternator and this still didn't start the car.

[GeoffW]

Whereabouts are you?
When you say "won't start", does it turn over but not fire or not turn over at all?

[Riknos]

Hi Geoff,

I'm in Reading but the car is currently stuck in Crowthorne, until I get it started. I can hear the starter motor clicking away, but the car wont start.

[padgett]

Riknos said:

Hi Geoff,

I'm in Reading but the car is currently stuck in Crowthorne, until I get it started. I can hear the starter motor clicking away, but the car wont start.

There's a guy in barkham I used once. Proper old school. Haven't got his details though.....

This one. http://car-electrician.co.uk/index.htm

Edited by padgett on Friday 27th January 15:03

[Skaffen]

I posted your car to the spotted section as I saw it this morning (I live nearby and walked past it today on the way to/from work). Sorry to hear it's misbehaving!

I know bugger all about mx-5 electrics (despite the fact I used to own one!), but from a quick bit of googling I've seen mention that if you get a click but no turnover and the battery is fine then it can mean not enough voltage is getting to the starter solonoid (it needs over 8 volts). Sounds like you've checked the earths. I've seen some mention of the corrosion on the contacts in the ignition switch can be a cause of voltage drop...

See:
http://houstonmiataclub.com/index.php?topic=1526.0

There's a guide to cleaning it:
http://www.miata.net/garage/CleaningIgnitionSwitch...

May not be the problem, but figured I'd post in case it's helpful!

[JC2012]

Ralph T-V-S

www.t-v-s.co.uk

Tell him Jeev sent you his way!

[marksbike]

does the engine turn over by hand?

[CypherP]

JC2012 said:

Ralph T-V-S

www.t-v-s.co.uk

Tell him Jeev sent you his way!

Doubly recommended as he did some work for me, and I also used to work with his wife so have met him a few times! Top bloke.

[Riknos]

Skaffen said:

I posted your car to the spotted section as I saw it this morning (I live nearby and walked past it today on the way to/from work). Sorry to hear it's misbehaving!

I know bugger all about mx-5 electrics (despite the fact I used to own one!), but from a quick bit of googling I've seen mention that if you get a click but no turnover and the battery is fine then it can mean not enough voltage is getting to the starter solonoid (it needs over 8 volts). Sounds like you've checked the earths. I've seen some mention of the corrosion on the contacts in the ignition switch can be a cause of voltage drop...

See:
http://houstonmiataclub.com/index.php?topic=1526.0

There's a guide to cleaning it:
http://www.miata.net/garage/CleaningIgnitionSwitch...

May not be the problem, but figured I'd post in case it's helpful!

Cheers, I have plans to clean up connectors and earths etc once the weather gets a bit warmer.

marksbike said:

does the engine turn over by hand?

I assume so; I didn't try, but I can bump start it no problem

CypherP said:

JC2012 said:

Ralph T-V-S

www.t-v-s.co.uk

Tell him Jeev sent you his way!

Doubly recommended as he did some work for me, and I also used to work with his wife so have met him a few times! Top bloke.

I will keep this in mind, thanks!

[marksbike]

marksbike said:

does the engine turn over by hand?

I assume so; I didn't try, but I can bump start it no problem

Thought I'd just check as have seen people struggle with a non-start only to find the engine is seized or something has jammed it

[GeoffW]

Riknos said:

Hi Geoff ... I can hear the starter motor clicking away, but the car wont start.

In that case, I'd be 95% sure it's a flat battery. Try to start it with jump leads from another car, if it then starts you know you need a new battery, if it doesn't, call Ralph as above, he'll sort you out.