Odd starting problem

[BOH]

Hi,

I have a rather odd starting problem with my X308.

Normally it starts almost instantly first time, however occasionally (more frequently recently) it turns over normally but refuses to fire. The rev counter "flicks" up to about 700 RPM momentarily as the ignition key is turned to 'on', but before it's turned to 'start' - if it does this, it won't start. Various messages such as GEARBOX FAULT, ENGINE FAULT, TRACTION CONTROL OFF are annunciated.

After many attempts it's always started (rev counter needle doesn't move prior to start-up), and when it does start, the start-up is almost instant, as per normal.

Any thoughts?

[melhook]

Key not being read properly by reader exciter ? do you have nother key ? does the same thing happen with the other key ?

[BOH]

Interesting idea - I'll try it and let everyone know how I get on.

Thanks!

[Jaguar steve]

Do the fault messages appear as soon as the car turns over but refuses to fire or only after several attempts?

If it's the latter it may be the battery voltage is dropping after several cranking attempts, which will cause random - often TRAC NOT AVAILABLE - messages to appear, so this may not be a symptom of the actual problem but just messages caused by repeated starting attempts and battery drain.

It might be worth trying a hard reset. Make sure you have the radio security code and with the keys out of the ignition and in your pocket - reconnecting may trigger the central locking - disconnect the battery and leave for 10 mins or so. Make sure you can either open the boot manually with the key, or make even more sure if you can't that you don't close it whilst the battery is disconnected.

[BOH]

Thanks for that Steve; touch wood using my spare key seems to be working.

[james S]

Mine did something very similar the same when the battery died. Very odd no slow cranking or any of the usual symptoms. Went on for a month until I changed the battery and it never happended again