New 1999 Chimaera Owner!
Discussion
Hi All,
Introducing myself here as a new 1999 TVR Chimaera 400 owner. I imported the car from the UK to Canada - so far, everything runs great and no major issues, thanks to the amazing care the previous owner took of the car.
The only thing I've found in the week I've had it is that sometimes, after I shut off the car, if I try to re-start it immediately, it won't fire back up. I engage and disengage the immobilizer, and you can hear the electrics / fuel pump fire up, but the engine won't fire.
I've found that if I leave it a while, or play with the loose battery connector, it then all engages and starts back up again. Could it be that it's just the battery connector? Or does anyone believe anything more sinister is happening? The immobilizer is new, so I think it's doing it's job well.
Thanks all - look forward to any and all insights!
Introducing myself here as a new 1999 TVR Chimaera 400 owner. I imported the car from the UK to Canada - so far, everything runs great and no major issues, thanks to the amazing care the previous owner took of the car.
The only thing I've found in the week I've had it is that sometimes, after I shut off the car, if I try to re-start it immediately, it won't fire back up. I engage and disengage the immobilizer, and you can hear the electrics / fuel pump fire up, but the engine won't fire.
I've found that if I leave it a while, or play with the loose battery connector, it then all engages and starts back up again. Could it be that it's just the battery connector? Or does anyone believe anything more sinister is happening? The immobilizer is new, so I think it's doing it's job well.
Thanks all - look forward to any and all insights!
GreenV8S said:
JAIrvine said:
it won't fire back up
Exactly what happens when you try to start it?This hot start issue can also be related to immobiliser issues.
My car would regularly not release either the fuel pump or starter relay until car cooled ( usually 20-30 mins) then one day I hadn’t got 30 mins to wait so after about 10 mins I was attempting to start the car a number of times via turning ignition on/off and locking and unlocking car so resetting alarm.
All of a sudden I had fuel pump working each time I turned the key but still no starter. Another 5 mins trying the above and all of a sudden both relays operated and car started.
So you have two circuits going through the immobiliser. One or both can be effected by heat.
Replacement of immobiliser/ alarm is recommended if immobiliser is the issue.
You can by pass the immobiliser to get car going but that’s not recommended as a long term fix.
If it’s happened within a week of owning it the fault was very likely there before you owned it and though it might be a good car that’s poor form I’m very sad to say.
Being positive if it’s a nice car hopefully worth you repairing it properly as the previous owner or dealer should have done
This is a very well known problem!
Welcome and enjoy both your car and the help/advice these pages offer Tvr owners.
My car would regularly not release either the fuel pump or starter relay until car cooled ( usually 20-30 mins) then one day I hadn’t got 30 mins to wait so after about 10 mins I was attempting to start the car a number of times via turning ignition on/off and locking and unlocking car so resetting alarm.
All of a sudden I had fuel pump working each time I turned the key but still no starter. Another 5 mins trying the above and all of a sudden both relays operated and car started.
So you have two circuits going through the immobiliser. One or both can be effected by heat.
Replacement of immobiliser/ alarm is recommended if immobiliser is the issue.
You can by pass the immobiliser to get car going but that’s not recommended as a long term fix.
If it’s happened within a week of owning it the fault was very likely there before you owned it and though it might be a good car that’s poor form I’m very sad to say.
Being positive if it’s a nice car hopefully worth you repairing it properly as the previous owner or dealer should have done
This is a very well known problem!
Welcome and enjoy both your car and the help/advice these pages offer Tvr owners.
Most choose to just bypass the immobiliser if it is that, im not sure of the implications on insurance and theft though in your area.
Some do choose to install the famous hot start kit but id get it fixed properly if it turns out to be the immobiliser.
Some info here.
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/tvr-alarms.html
Some do choose to install the famous hot start kit but id get it fixed properly if it turns out to be the immobiliser.
Some info here.
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/tvr-alarms.html
JAIrvine said:
loose battery connector, it then all engages and starts back up again
That shouldn't be loose, do you mean you can turn the clamp on the battery post. It certainly won't help a car that's struggling to start and its the 1st easy thing to try.Also you say the engine wont fire but does it turn over?
If it's turning over are you getting a spark. this kind of tester is an easy to use indicator that you're getting a spark
BritishTvr450 said:
This hot start issue can also be related to immobiliser issues.
My car would regularly not release either the fuel pump or starter relay until car cooled ( usually 20-30 mins) then one day I hadn’t got 30 mins to wait so after about 10 mins I was attempting to start the car a number of times via turning ignition on/off and locking and unlocking car so resetting alarm.
All of a sudden I had fuel pump working each time I turned the key but still no starter. Another 5 mins trying the above and all of a sudden both relays operated and car started.
So you have two circuits going through the immobiliser. One or both can be effected by heat.
Replacement of immobiliser/ alarm is recommended if immobiliser is the issue.
You can by pass the immobiliser to get car going but that’s not recommended as a long term fix.
If it’s happened within a week of owning it the fault was very likely there before you owned it and though it might be a good car that’s poor form I’m very sad to say.
Being positive if it’s a nice car hopefully worth you repairing it properly as the previous owner or dealer should have done
This is a very well known problem!
Welcome and enjoy both your car and the help/advice these pages offer Tvr owners.
Thank you for the welcome and your advice! Another question - what happens if I'm out driving and happen to stall? I assume the hot start problem may kick in, and I'll be stuck in the middle of the road until it cools?My car would regularly not release either the fuel pump or starter relay until car cooled ( usually 20-30 mins) then one day I hadn’t got 30 mins to wait so after about 10 mins I was attempting to start the car a number of times via turning ignition on/off and locking and unlocking car so resetting alarm.
All of a sudden I had fuel pump working each time I turned the key but still no starter. Another 5 mins trying the above and all of a sudden both relays operated and car started.
So you have two circuits going through the immobiliser. One or both can be effected by heat.
Replacement of immobiliser/ alarm is recommended if immobiliser is the issue.
You can by pass the immobiliser to get car going but that’s not recommended as a long term fix.
If it’s happened within a week of owning it the fault was very likely there before you owned it and though it might be a good car that’s poor form I’m very sad to say.
Being positive if it’s a nice car hopefully worth you repairing it properly as the previous owner or dealer should have done
This is a very well known problem!
Welcome and enjoy both your car and the help/advice these pages offer Tvr owners.
[quote=Belle427]Most choose to just bypass the immobiliser if it is that, im not sure of the implications on insurance and theft though in your area.
Some do choose to install the famous hot start kit but id get it fixed properly if it turns out to be the immobiliser.
Some info here.
Thank you for the advice! I'd prefer to keep the immobiliser in place for sure, but it's good to know it's an option. I've read mixed reviews on the hot start kit so far :/
Some do choose to install the famous hot start kit but id get it fixed properly if it turns out to be the immobiliser.
Some info here.
Thank you for the advice! I'd prefer to keep the immobiliser in place for sure, but it's good to know it's an option. I've read mixed reviews on the hot start kit so far :/
Sorry I’d not realised the immobiliser is new.
You also mention if you play with loose battery connector
I’d start by making sure all connections are tight. The battery starter cable is long and gets hot so receives enough abuse so earthing points should be free of rust and kept very secure.
There are a few hot start problems generally speaking.
1 immobiliser fails to operate on either one or both circuits, usually both until it’s cooled down.
2 connection from ignition switch via relay or relay itself overheats and fails until cool.
3 starter cable or any connections in this line being poor or old.
4 starter itself.
If you can hear fuel pump priming at the back of the car this normally suggests immobiliser is ok and your issue is either number 2 or 3 on that list but that’s not a definitive answer.
Bypass number 1 to discount it and see what happens.
Not to hard if your a bit hands on but does require removing dash top ( google it) and someone who has the wiring diagram that enables you to enact the bypass. This is usually offered with the caveat you repair-sort the immobiliser/ alarm issue.
There’s “The tvr garage” which are a company importing/ selling Tvr in the states, Jay Leno graced them with what turned out to be a very good appraisal recently. Maybe they have parts/ info for you.
If you are very lucky someone on here can help with a wiring circuit but I destroyed all knowledge of it when I’d fixed mine lol
I’m sure someone will be along to help soon
If you stall it you can bump start it.
If you turn it off at the ignition you should be able to start it because the alarm / immobiliser has not been activated.
It’s important to note in this situation if you turn ignition off for 20 seconds the immobiliser will kick in requiring locking/ unlocking of alarm to free it.
Just don’t stall it
Ps Abacus Alarms as mentioned earlier have always been great to deal with here in the U.K. so any information you need regarding meta alarms they are worth contacting. They know a lot about the alarms and our cars.
You also mention if you play with loose battery connector
I’d start by making sure all connections are tight. The battery starter cable is long and gets hot so receives enough abuse so earthing points should be free of rust and kept very secure.
There are a few hot start problems generally speaking.
1 immobiliser fails to operate on either one or both circuits, usually both until it’s cooled down.
2 connection from ignition switch via relay or relay itself overheats and fails until cool.
3 starter cable or any connections in this line being poor or old.
4 starter itself.
If you can hear fuel pump priming at the back of the car this normally suggests immobiliser is ok and your issue is either number 2 or 3 on that list but that’s not a definitive answer.
Bypass number 1 to discount it and see what happens.
Not to hard if your a bit hands on but does require removing dash top ( google it) and someone who has the wiring diagram that enables you to enact the bypass. This is usually offered with the caveat you repair-sort the immobiliser/ alarm issue.
There’s “The tvr garage” which are a company importing/ selling Tvr in the states, Jay Leno graced them with what turned out to be a very good appraisal recently. Maybe they have parts/ info for you.
If you are very lucky someone on here can help with a wiring circuit but I destroyed all knowledge of it when I’d fixed mine lol
I’m sure someone will be along to help soon
If you stall it you can bump start it.
If you turn it off at the ignition you should be able to start it because the alarm / immobiliser has not been activated.
It’s important to note in this situation if you turn ignition off for 20 seconds the immobiliser will kick in requiring locking/ unlocking of alarm to free it.
Just don’t stall it
Ps Abacus Alarms as mentioned earlier have always been great to deal with here in the U.K. so any information you need regarding meta alarms they are worth contacting. They know a lot about the alarms and our cars.
Edited by BritishTvr450 on Tuesday 14th May 16:20
From my understanding the hot start issue is to counter the problem TVR caused by wiring the relays in the original immobiliser the wrong way round with a lower rated relay having the greater demand.
If you have a new immobiliser fitted I would hope that that would have been corrected.
Someone better knowledge will hopefully correct me if the above statement is incorrect.
I recently had issues starting while hot which was a problem with the starter. While hot I tested cooling it with a jug of water that cooled it sufficiently to allow it to start again.
I'd still start by tightening that battery terminal. That would be the easiest and cheapest fix if it is that.
If you have a new immobiliser fitted I would hope that that would have been corrected.
Someone better knowledge will hopefully correct me if the above statement is incorrect.
I recently had issues starting while hot which was a problem with the starter. While hot I tested cooling it with a jug of water that cooled it sufficiently to allow it to start again.
I'd still start by tightening that battery terminal. That would be the easiest and cheapest fix if it is that.
BritishTvr450 said:
Sorry I’d not realised the immobiliser is new.
You also mention if you play with loose battery connector
I’d start by making sure all connections are tight. The battery starter cable is long and gets hot so receives enough abuse so earthing points should be free of rust and kept very secure.
There are a few hot start problems generally speaking.
1 immobiliser fails to operate on either one or both circuits, usually both until it’s cooled down.
2 connection from ignition switch via relay or relay itself overheats and fails until cool.
3 starter cable or any connections in this line being poor or old.
4 starter itself.
If you can hear fuel pump priming at the back of the car this normally suggests immobiliser is ok and your issue is either number 2 or 3 on that list but that’s not a definitive answer.
Bypass number 1 to discount it and see what happens.
Not to hard if your a bit hands on but does require removing dash top ( google it) and someone who has the wiring diagram that enables you to enact the bypass. This is usually offered with the caveat you repair-sort the immobiliser/ alarm issue.
There’s “The tvr garage” which are a company importing/ selling Tvr in the states, Jay Leno graced them with what turned out to be a very good appraisal recently. Maybe they have parts/ info for you.
If you are very lucky someone on here can help with a wiring circuit but I destroyed all knowledge of it when I’d fixed mine lol
I’m sure someone will be along to help soon
If you stall it you can bump start it.
If you turn it off at the ignition you should be able to start it because the alarm / immobiliser has not been activated.
It’s important to note in this situation if you turn ignition off for 20 seconds the immobiliser will kick in requiring locking/ unlocking of alarm to free it.
Just don’t stall it
Ps Abacus Alarms as mentioned earlier have always been great to deal with here in the U.K. so any information you need regarding meta alarms they are worth contacting. They know a lot about the alarms and our cars.
Thank you for all this information! Yes, I will certainly try not to stall - just continuing to get used to the heavy clutch and bite point! You also mention if you play with loose battery connector
I’d start by making sure all connections are tight. The battery starter cable is long and gets hot so receives enough abuse so earthing points should be free of rust and kept very secure.
There are a few hot start problems generally speaking.
1 immobiliser fails to operate on either one or both circuits, usually both until it’s cooled down.
2 connection from ignition switch via relay or relay itself overheats and fails until cool.
3 starter cable or any connections in this line being poor or old.
4 starter itself.
If you can hear fuel pump priming at the back of the car this normally suggests immobiliser is ok and your issue is either number 2 or 3 on that list but that’s not a definitive answer.
Bypass number 1 to discount it and see what happens.
Not to hard if your a bit hands on but does require removing dash top ( google it) and someone who has the wiring diagram that enables you to enact the bypass. This is usually offered with the caveat you repair-sort the immobiliser/ alarm issue.
There’s “The tvr garage” which are a company importing/ selling Tvr in the states, Jay Leno graced them with what turned out to be a very good appraisal recently. Maybe they have parts/ info for you.
If you are very lucky someone on here can help with a wiring circuit but I destroyed all knowledge of it when I’d fixed mine lol
I’m sure someone will be along to help soon
If you stall it you can bump start it.
If you turn it off at the ignition you should be able to start it because the alarm / immobiliser has not been activated.
It’s important to note in this situation if you turn ignition off for 20 seconds the immobiliser will kick in requiring locking/ unlocking of alarm to free it.
Just don’t stall it
Ps Abacus Alarms as mentioned earlier have always been great to deal with here in the U.K. so any information you need regarding meta alarms they are worth contacting. They know a lot about the alarms and our cars.
Edited by BritishTvr450 on Tuesday 14th May 16:20
indigochim said:
From my understanding the hot start issue is to counter the problem TVR caused by wiring the relays in the original immobiliser the wrong way round with a lower rated relay having the greater demand.
If you have a new immobiliser fitted I would hope that that would have been corrected.
Someone better knowledge will hopefully correct me if the above statement is incorrect.
I recently had issues starting while hot which was a problem with the starter. While hot I tested cooling it with a jug of water that cooled it sufficiently to allow it to start again.
I'd still start by tightening that battery terminal. That would be the easiest and cheapest fix if it is that.
Thank you! I'll certainly be tightening the battery cable connector and seeing if that happens to help the issue. Can I ask - you said you 'cooled it with a jug of water'... What did you pour the water on exactly?If you have a new immobiliser fitted I would hope that that would have been corrected.
Someone better knowledge will hopefully correct me if the above statement is incorrect.
I recently had issues starting while hot which was a problem with the starter. While hot I tested cooling it with a jug of water that cooled it sufficiently to allow it to start again.
I'd still start by tightening that battery terminal. That would be the easiest and cheapest fix if it is that.
JAIrvine said:
Thank you for the welcome and your advice! Another question - what happens if I'm out driving and happen to stall? I assume the hot start problem may kick in, and I'll be stuck in the middle of the road until it cools?
Something similar happened to me a few years ago - I was in a convoy of TVRs and Triumphs when the lead car took a wrong turn, we all looked for somewhere to turn around, I reversed into someone's private driveway and stalled, the owner came up to me ranting and raving about me being on private property and all I could do was sit it out for 5 looong minutes until the car started again! 
DarkMatter said:
JAIrvine said:
Thank you for the welcome and your advice! Another question - what happens if I'm out driving and happen to stall? I assume the hot start problem may kick in, and I'll be stuck in the middle of the road until it cools?
Something similar happened to me a few years ago - I was in a convoy of TVRs and Triumphs when the lead car took a wrong turn, we all looked for somewhere to turn around, I reversed into someone's private driveway and stalled, the owner came up to me ranting and raving about me being on private property and all I could do was sit it out for 5 looong minutes until the car started again! JAIrvine said:
What did you pour the water on exactly?
You can't see the starter from the top of the engine but it's on the right hand side (from the point of view of you being in the car) of the car towards the back of the engine. From memory I poured down the inner wing just to the left of the cover for the clutch cylinder. Where the red arrow is, pic stolen from a previous engine bay post.Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff