Maserati Starter problem
Discussion
Hi
Got a problem with my old Merak. Took the car out a couple of weeks ago all was fine, parked up and returned a couple of hours later , turned the ignition all the lights came on but the starter was dead. The ignition lights didn't `dip` due to current draw. Had the car trailered home, put the key in the ignition and it started first time.The same thing happened today, used the car all day, stopped at petrol station and again the starter was dead. Talked a couple of guys into giving me a push start, returned home, switched on and again it started first time on the key. Any ideas any one ? I don't think its the solenoid, the starter works perfect when its working (!!!) So far I have put a new battery on it (the old one was 9 years old) and checked all the engine earths. How do i t est for a intermittent fault ? do you think its the ignition switch ? could I wire in temporary starter switch to the solenoid ?
thanks in advance
Marc
Got a problem with my old Merak. Took the car out a couple of weeks ago all was fine, parked up and returned a couple of hours later , turned the ignition all the lights came on but the starter was dead. The ignition lights didn't `dip` due to current draw. Had the car trailered home, put the key in the ignition and it started first time.The same thing happened today, used the car all day, stopped at petrol station and again the starter was dead. Talked a couple of guys into giving me a push start, returned home, switched on and again it started first time on the key. Any ideas any one ? I don't think its the solenoid, the starter works perfect when its working (!!!) So far I have put a new battery on it (the old one was 9 years old) and checked all the engine earths. How do i t est for a intermittent fault ? do you think its the ignition switch ? could I wire in temporary starter switch to the solenoid ?
thanks in advance
Marc
A trapped rotor, suggested by the poster above, would result in an enormous current draw. If there is no current draw, it cannot be the starter motor. For the same reason, it is unlikely to be the battery.
Almost certainly a bum connection. Suggest checking the switching wiring (low current) from the Ign Switch through to the solenoid, not forgetting the fuse block(s) - A resistance check with a decent multimeter is probably the easiest way. Don't be afraid to move the wiring around (gently) whilst checking as well as checking all connectors and individual fuse connections for corrosion. Ideally you need the problem to resurface to facilitate diagnosis so how about doing a few miles and returning home, switching off and try a restart. Above all, be methodical.
Hope this helps
Almost certainly a bum connection. Suggest checking the switching wiring (low current) from the Ign Switch through to the solenoid, not forgetting the fuse block(s) - A resistance check with a decent multimeter is probably the easiest way. Don't be afraid to move the wiring around (gently) whilst checking as well as checking all connectors and individual fuse connections for corrosion. Ideally you need the problem to resurface to facilitate diagnosis so how about doing a few miles and returning home, switching off and try a restart. Above all, be methodical.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your help guys, it dreaws no current when it refuses to work. It did it today at the work shop so I had a chance to test the ignition switch and thats working fine and its looking more like its the imoboliser is playing up so going to take it back to the people who fitted it.
marc
marc
Hi Marc,
I had a similar problem with my Bora a few years ago.
I had a quick look through my file and looking through the invoices (
) it seems the cure was to remove the ignition switch, strip it down and clean the contacts.
As I imagine (I am no expert) the ignition switch is the same in both the Merak and Bora it may be worth a look.
Regards,
Robin
I had a similar problem with my Bora a few years ago.
I had a quick look through my file and looking through the invoices (
) it seems the cure was to remove the ignition switch, strip it down and clean the contacts. As I imagine (I am no expert) the ignition switch is the same in both the Merak and Bora it may be worth a look.
Regards,
Robin
Thanks Robin. The car only started playing up after having a major service and new clutch at Bill Mcgrath's and looked through the invoice and they took apart and cleaned the ignition switch to cure a starting problem (hadn't played up before then....)I have Re cleaned the switch and have had no problems since. My mate used it for the week while I was on holiday and started every time so may get to use it this week. How do you get on with the Bora ? ONE of my all time fave cars. I find the Merak way too slow, beautiful car but in need of another 60 hp to make it a bit more fun but I think that's why my wife likes it so much .
marc
marc
Marc,
Glad you seem to have got it sorted.
I have had the Bora for about 6 years now and there have been lots of ups and downs. I got it because it has always been one of my favourite cars as well and also one of the 'forgotten' supercars, though less so in the last couple of years.
Overall I love it, I have driven it as far as Budapest, though it did have to be transported back! It is used a lot when the weather is good (and when it is working) so drives really well. Having said that we have been struggling with a handling problem (the car feels really unstable with any direction change) but hopefully McGraths (who helped me find it and have maintained it for me) will get to the bottom of it soon.
I also thought about a Merak as of course they are so closely related, but ultimately the V8 swung it for me, I am afriad I am a sucker for a V8 exhaust note and the Bora is very popular with the marshals on some of the events I do even if it is a tad loud.
Regards,
Robin
Glad you seem to have got it sorted.
I have had the Bora for about 6 years now and there have been lots of ups and downs. I got it because it has always been one of my favourite cars as well and also one of the 'forgotten' supercars, though less so in the last couple of years.
Overall I love it, I have driven it as far as Budapest, though it did have to be transported back! It is used a lot when the weather is good (and when it is working) so drives really well. Having said that we have been struggling with a handling problem (the car feels really unstable with any direction change) but hopefully McGraths (who helped me find it and have maintained it for me) will get to the bottom of it soon.
I also thought about a Merak as of course they are so closely related, but ultimately the V8 swung it for me, I am afriad I am a sucker for a V8 exhaust note and the Bora is very popular with the marshals on some of the events I do even if it is a tad loud.
Regards,
Robin
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