Hot Start Problem

[tvrred]

I have a (very) intermitent hot start problem. It has happened twice in 2 months, both times after a 'sprited' drive in hot weather. After a long run, pull up at a petrol station and when I try to start......nothing. The fuel pump primes but there is not even a click from the starter motor and the lights don't dim so the starter motor isn't engaging. There is then an embarassing 20 min wait with bonnet up while it cools down and then it fires as normal.

Any ideas/suggesions greatfully received. It never happens when there is no one around.....just when there are lots of people to smirk!!!

[beano500]

Known problem with some starter motors not being up to the job on the earlier cars. The hint is in the fact that it will start quite happily when cooled.


(TADTS)

[theaxe]

This is a classic case of the Hot-Start problem. Have a search around and you'll find many threads on the subject.

As far as I can tell there are two possible (or combined) causes:

1) Wiring between the key switch and the starter motor gets hot, resistance build and not enough power gets to the starter motor. This seems to be the problem in 90% of cases (including my own). It's easily fixed with a simple kit from mod-wise, check out TVR Chimaera Pages for more details.

2) Sticking / failing starter motor. Needs either an overhaul or replacement. Less common problem and more expensive to fix.

[Wicker Man]

It's sad that some peoples enjoyment of their Chimaeras and Griffiths is still being spoiled by this well known design flaw.

GET THE MODWISE KIT FITTED!

[theaxe]

Indeed, dealers & specialists should at least offer to fit one at the annual service.

It costs about £20, takes 20 mins to fit and solves the problem.

[john57]

I've had a heat shield (now removed) ..... a new starter motor ...... and then a 'hot start' cable direct from battery. It started much better with the new starter motor but the best mod I managed was by accident - the car went in for some work and a new coil was fitted ........ it is now a different beast ; fires and starts much quicker - and I didn't even ask for that to be done!

[Nuggs]

As has been suggested, buy and fit the Mod-Wise Hot Start Kit.

There's a thread with (my) numpty questions and (their) eroudite answers here

IIRC, the longer you leave the problem, the greater the chance of doing lasting damage due to the 'arcing' effect.

It's really not hard to do - just make sure you do everything up nice and tight when you finish!

[jimothy]

I had the hot start, and hte fix was to remove the starter motor from the imobiliser. Racing green did this for about £30 and it's never happened since.

[chim500tom]

I've had the Modwise hot start kit fitted and haven't had the problem since.

[edtvr]

chim500tom said:

I've had the Modwise hot start kit fitted and haven't had the problem since.

Ditto

[anonymous-user]

I'm running a different mod on mine and it seems to be working

[colinrob]

Fitted modwise kit still had hot start problem, fitted new starter still had hot start problem, turned out to be the imobiliser, don't waste your money like I did find out what is actually causing it

[peter miller]

If the starter motor turns the engine over ok when cold, and the fuel pump primes when hot, without even a click from the motor, you may well find it is the solonoid getting overheated by the exhaust manifold (Very close), and not working as it has expanded enough to jam. until after 20 mins or so it cools down and then everything is back to normal again.

My first Chimaera done exactly the same thing and was cured by removal, general clean and refitting with a cloth heat shield wrapped around both starter and solonoid bound with stainless steel wire.

Just purchased my 2nd Chimaera today and on the 130 mile return home, stopped in the services on the M4, and guess what, Yes exactly the same symtoms as before.

Luckily I thought I would be returning to TVR ownership one day after having a Boxster, so kept the 2 poster ramp in my mums garage I bought for maintaining the last one.

[tvrred]

Thanks all for the advice. Hopefully its not the immobilisor and the mod will work.