Immobiliser or is my starter getting too hot?

[chimleic]

I occasionally have problems re-starting my Chim. The doors open, the electrics are fine - but it will not start. At first I thought I must be messing up with my immobiliser and that it was 'locking out' for a period of time. After reading a few threads on this site, I gather that a hot starter motor can also cause no ignition.

It's not a major problem, but when it happens it can be at the most embarassing times.

Any suggestions? Anything to look for?

Advice much appreciated,

Andy

[Big Al.]

Sounds very much like a Hot Start problem, petrol pump primes, ignition light on, switch to start, NOTHING!

If they’re your symptoms then yep, would suspect starter motor.

>> Edited by Big Al. on Saturday 2nd October 16:44

[GreenV8S]

I understand the Mod-Wise have an upgrade to the power supply to the starter solenoid, which often fixes this problem. If the starter motor genuinely is knackered then the only answer is to repair/replace the starter, but if the problem is just a marginal supply to the solenoid then the Mod-Wise kit might well fix it.
Haven't tried it myself but would be interesting to know if anyone else has, because it would be a lot cheaper and easier than replacing the starter motor!

Edited to add: in the meantime, when this problem occurs I find that it is worth holding the key in the starting position for 20-30 seconds, it will often spring into life after a while. Less embarrasing than hanging around with the bonnet up waiting for it all to cool down!

>> Edited by GreenV8S on Saturday 2nd October 14:57

[wolosp]

If you do replace the starter motor, speak to Mod-Wise anyway and buy their Starter Motor heat shield.

[nick275uk]

Do they have a web site.??

[GreenV8S]

www.mod-wise.com would be just too obvious!

[nick275uk]

Doh.!!!

[MickC]

GreenV8S said:

I understand the Mod-Wise have an upgrade to the power supply to the starter solenoid, which often fixes this problem. If the starter motor genuinely is knackered then the only answer is to repair/replace the starter, but if the problem is just a marginal supply to the solenoid then the Mod-Wise kit might well fix it. Haven't tried it myself but would be interesting to know if anyone else has, because it would be a lot cheaper and easier than replacing the starter motor! >> Edited by GreenV8S on Saturday 2nd October 14:57

Don't know about the modwise kit but when I had a similar problem even after replacing the starter motor the dealer ran a new power feed to the starter and used the old ignition feed to a relay. Did the trick nicely.

[david beer]

Thats the mod, you can use to original wire though, just insert relay at the last point before it goes into the engine bay. You can find the cable in the footwell.
Also see starter motor thread.

>> Edited by david beer on Monday 4th October 13:17

[chimleic]

Thanks for the advice. I'm pretty sure now that is a hot starter motor problem (it starts fine from cold). I will contact Mod-Wise, they seem to offer relatively cheap solutions to the problem; especially the heat shield.

How easy are these items to fit for a complete engine duffer (with few tools)?

[chimleic]

Contacted Mod-Wise....new two-speed adjustable switch has been ordered! Hurrah! No more overheat (apart from the leaking radiator mentioned in another thread).