Help Won't start.

[Phil Durn]

Cimaera 4.0 1995, Planning to go on a blast this morning, unfortunately it won't start or turn over. Turn on ignition, then to start position, nothing happens. When ignition turned on fuel pump runs for 2-3 secs then stops, have locked and unlocked imobiliser mant times no effect. Any Ideas? Please!!

[GreenV8S]

Sounds like the starter isn't engaging, everything else is normal. Could be an immobiliser problem, but could just be a sticky starter motor solenoid.

Trying holding the key in the 'starting' position for thirty seconds or so. Sometimes the solenoid will go eventually if you give it long enough. Your other option is to bump start it.

[Parrot of Doom]

Try tapping the starter motor lightly with a hammer.

[Phil Durn]

Thanks guys, there is no noise from the starter, the solenoid doesn't seem to be energised, is it normal for the fuel pump to stop after 3 secs?

[Cider Andy]

Phil Durn said:

...is it normal for the fuel pump to stop after 3 secs?

Yes. Once the engine is running, you'll hear it running continuously. I'd give the starter motor a healthy tap with a hammer, if you can get close to it.

[hut49]

Sounds pretty much like a flat battery to me - don't go banging that poor old starter motor too hard! The battery can have enough charge to power the fuel pump and operate the central locking / activate the alarm but not sufficient to turn over the engine. This might be the case even if you just went for a drive if the battery is knackered. If you have the service history when was the battery last changed? A 95 car should be on at least its 3rd battery by now. Hope you get it running again soon.

[kslett]

Agree with the hammer suggestion. If you can get someone to hold the ignition key in position 3 at the same time, that may make it even easier. Good luck, I've already been out today and it was a great blast!

[richb]

Phil Durn said:

Cimaera 4.0 1995, Planning to go on a blast this morning, unfortunately it won't start or turn over. Turn on ignition, then to start position, nothing happens. When ignition turned on fuel pump runs for 2-3 secs then stops, have locked and unlocked imobiliser mant times no effect. Any Ideas? Please!!

Well it could be a flat battery. When did you last drive it/start it? Rich...

[Phil Durn]

The headlights don't dip when I turn the key, so I didn't suspect the Battery. Will try a bump start tomorrow. Have drunk too much Kier Royale today. Thank you all for your help and have a Very Merry Christmas, sorry about the previous Panda jokes 2SBs.

[Phil Durn]

Hi Rich, you were right, bump started, went for 10 mile drive, now starts on key. I will have to replace the battery, thanks all.