Car wont start....

[Last S4]

Hi Guys,
Just after a few quick ideas.
I went out in the S today, running well. Parked the car in front of my drive, emptied the boot with the engine off. I then went to start it to put on the drive and it wont start.
The fuel pump whirs as normal - then nothing, no attempt to turn over.
Its like when you forget to use immobiliser.
What is the most likely cause? Does the car have a solenoid type set up?
The wife wants some gardening done and then I will start fault finding on the car later today.
Cheers.

[GreenV8S]

May be the classic 'hot start' problem where the starter motor solenoid can't engage properly. This could be because the battery is flat, or the starter motor is old and knackered, or a problem with the wiring / immobiliser.

If the problem is with the starter motor then it might improve (temporarily) when it has cooled down. You might also find that if you hold the key in the 'starting' position for 30 seconds or so it will eventually kick in. Also try arming / disarming the alarm a few times in case it's a sticky relay inside the alarm.

[Last S4]

Thanks for the info.
The car did start when it cooled down, try it a few times and ok everytime.
I need to get a new starter motor I think.

[orange_dodo]

I had a problem like this, got a click when the solenoid activated but didnt activate the starter motor. I took the motor out and greased it and now if I have a problem starting the car (ie only get a click when I turn the key) I just disconnect the battery quickly and start it up first time. Odd but it works so you might want to give it a go!

[Last S4]

Thanks guys,
I started searching for a new starter today.
TVRcarparts list the 2.8 and V8 but not the 2.9
I have looked on various parts websites but many of them are recon units - you never know whether they have just had a lick of paint or a good refurb done.
Anyone bought a new starter recently or know of a good supplier? Even a part no. would be a help.
Cheers.

[Gerald-TVR]

Some way away from you but I have used him for attention to an alternator, one man band works out of his garage brother to a first class auto electrician who has worked on my S for me. You might be able to do it all by post. Might be worth a call


Colin Williams
30 Node Hill
Studley
B80 7RG

01527 853463

[orange_dodo]

Part number on mine was Bosch 0001108035. I got a quote from an online place for £79+VAT for a new one but i didn't buy it so can't comment on the business or the motor. In fact I'm not even sure the solenoid comes with it. I gave up on getting a new one when i (sorta) fixed it.

The Yellow Pages may have a company near by that will rebuild it for you. They aren't difficult to take apart yourself though, its only about 6 screws although I didn't manage to get the solenoid off as I couldn't get the last screw out (broke a screwdriver bit trying). The 3 screws holding the solenoid together have loctite on them.

[NorfolkSteve]

I just bought one online from Hillmart UK Limited. Brand new so no exchange issues. ~£100. My old one was a Lucas LRS621 part no. New starter fits and works fine, has one year guarantee. Quick delivery service.

[Last S4]

NorfolkSteve said:

I just bought one online from Hillmart UK Limited. Brand new so no exchange issues. ~£100. My old one was a Lucas LRS621 part no. New starter fits and works fine, has one year guarantee. Quick delivery service.

Thanks, I might need to give them a go. I have bought a new one on Ebay which I thought was correct but its an LRS745 ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...