Hot Start Problem - no not that one!

[Nashy]

Anyone had this, or have any ideas where to look .... ???

If the car has just been running and I try and start it while the engine fans are still running the starter is dead - there's no dimming of dash lights/headlights to suggest any current is getting to it. I know the starters are prone to sticking(?) when hot, but I'm sure this problem is electrical and linked to the engine fans. While sat blocking a pump at a busy petrol station (with my head down avoiding eye contact with anyone!) I tried the key and it was dead, literally a couple of seconds later the fans stopped running and it immediately started. It's done this a couple of times now exactly the same which suggest to me this isn't the usual overheating starter problem.

Anyone got any advice please?

[Flintstone]

Is 'The' starter problem not because the starter circuit cannot draw sufficient current when warm and if so wouldn't a second draw on the battery (fans) worsen the situation?

[Nashy]

So heat in the starter causes higher resistance and therefore higher current is needed? How can I test the theory? Presumably if this happens again, once the fans cut out and the starter works again, if I switch on the headlights they would also have the same effect on the starter?

Could it also be the battery fading and not providing enough current to power both?

[David Beer]

That is quite common, its lack of voltage to the solenoid, fans on,even less. So a relay it is in the solenoid circuit, as mentioned just a few posts lower !

[bsdnazz]

Also, make sure your battery terminals are clean and free from an corrosion (sp?). With only 12v in the system a small amount of resistance can be the difference between working and not working.