starting prob?

[marastu]

Hi all,

wonder if anyone can help. Took my 450 chim for a run this evening. Got up to running temp of 90, usual for stop start driving, then took it for some optimax. went to start it up and nothing, tried resetting alarm, fuel pump working. Phoned a few people, waited around 5 mins then started up no probs.

Is this a starter motor prob? Or the switch not functioning when engine is hot! Never happened before. When i got it home, switched engine off, restarted without a problem.

Cheers

Mat

[Hut49]

Have had a similar problem. When you were sitting on the forecourt trying to look transparent (been there!) and you tried to turn the engine over did you hear a clicking noise that suggested the fuel pump was working but the starter motor wasn't? If so I think it may have been a temporary fault with the central locking/alarm/immobiliser mechanism. I had exactly this fault and repeatedly set and unset the central looking maybe 4 or 5 times then bingo it started and hasn't let me down since (3months - but probably again tomorrow now I've gone public!!).
Others may have a more technical response!
Good luck
Hutch

[sybaseian]

General problems are usually caused by excess heat. Usually leaving things to cool down will allow you to get going again, but it's normally a hint that something needs looking at.

1. switch on ignition - all lights working and you can hear the fuel pump priming usually means that the starter motor is too hot and it's an early sign of it failing. You should be ok for a short while but you will eventually need to get it replaced and heat shielded at the sametime. Most people get them reconditioned rather than renewed.

2. switch on ignition - all lights working but you can't hear the fuel pump priming usually means that it's immobiliser.

3. switch on ignition - all lights working but slow turn over means that the battery is not getting charged from the alternator.

The most likely culprit is the start motor although I have had one occasion on a very hot day where the immobiliser was playing silly games and wouldn't let the fuel pump prime.

[sybaseian]

quote:
Have had a similar problem. When you were sitting on the forecourt trying to look transparent (been there!) and you tried to turn the engine over did you hear a clicking noise that suggested the fuel pump was working but the starter motor wasn't? If so I think it may have been a temporary fault with the central locking/alarm/immobiliser mechanism. I had exactly this fault and repeatedly set and unset the central looking maybe 4 or 5 times then bingo it started and hasn't let me down since (3months - but probably again tomorrow now I've gone public!!).
Others may have a more technical response!
Good luck
Hutch

Try the old cup of coffee trick, go to the loo and flick though the mags - that should save any embarasment........

[marastu]

thanks, it sounds like it's the starter motor. Will get it looked at in the near future. The tip regarding looking transparent on the petrol station forecourt was so true! I didn't want to let on when a few porshe 911's pulled up. I wish i could have started the car at that moment!

Thanks again.

Mat

[ssc1]

this has happened twice to me today after running in town for a while and it getting hot but not over 90 degrees and i had to get a push start then it was ok when i got it home ,i knew about the starter problem when i bought the car as its been off the car and been rebuilt and they say its the soleniod and needs a new starter motor does anyone know how much they cost and does it need to be a tvr item this can cause great embarrisment as everyone is looking at the car waiting for the great sound

[Robin S]

Morning!
Well to add to the thread, my weekends experience went like this.
Friday night, car cleaned and packed up ready for early Saturday departure to Silverstone. Quick last minute trip to Tesco around 8.30pm, then the problems started!
Came out the shop and tried to start the car. Starter spun at normal speed then slowed very quickly and died completely. No amount of arming and disarming proved fruitful. The immobilisers working ok, the fuel pumps priming, but turning the key the next stage does nothing. Now beginning to get embarassed as kids on bikes and skateboards starting to surround the car that won't go! Phone call home saw a tow car arrive and a very slow departure was made! Car would bumpstart ok and then ran fine but starter is dead.

Anyone any ideas? Could it be something as simple as a power supply to the starter failing or does it sound like the starter itself is goosed.

Anyway, following some unpacking and repacking, our trip to Silverstone was completed without drama in my girlfriends 1.2 Clio!! Fantastic weekend !

Appreciate all advice..
Robin