111s won't start

[fondelli]

I went out today to go for a spin in my 111s S2. I disabled the alarm, but when I turned the key nothing happened. The car is kept in a garage with an optimate on it, so the battery is ok. Do I have a faulty solenoid/starter. The car has 15k miles on it. Where do I start?

[doggydave]

I had the same problem with my 04 S2 Elise 111s. If the battery terminals are ok it may be the starter motor fuse. Mine blew twice in a 4 year period, it was the only thing that went wrong with the car.
Open the engine bay. Looking to the left there is a black cover inside the engine bay that is attached to the boot wall by allen key bolts. The cover is actually inside the engine bay not the boot. The large allen key in the car tool kit will loosen the bolts. Loosen the cover and look inside. you will see three fuses. I think it is the middle fuse you want. It is a 20 amp fuse. One of the other 2 fuses is also 20 amp. If it isn't the middle fuse just check the others anyway. What a relief I had when I found this was the problem. Good luck, let me know how you get on.

[fondelli]

I must be blind! Is the panel on the bulkhead between the boot and engine, beside the inlet manifold? Or am I in the wrong place?

[fondelli]

Thanks, I found it and it was blown! happy days. My only question is why did it go in the first place? Is this something that happens to k series elises?

[doggydave]

I don't know why it happens, it happened to mine twice in 4+ years. I think sometimes the starter motor takes a bit of moving and so puts stress on the fuse. Just keep some spare 20 amp fuses in the car in case it happens while you are out in it. I'm glad that's what it was, nice easy and cheap fix.

[fondelli]

I put everything back together after work this evening. Funnily enough my tool roll now has 2 spare 20A fuses in it! Thanks for you help

[RobboC]

I've had exactly the same problem twice now.

Car was due for MOT last thurs, wouldn't start. Thought it was dead battery, replaced it and it started...

Rebooked in for MOT today, started fine yesterday, today, just clicks once, not turning over.

Did check that fuse and thought it looked ok.

Argh!!