starting problems

[Guest]

Hi

I have a 1985 3.2 (UK) RHD. Sometimes it starts perfectly, i drive it for 1-40 miles stop the car and when i return to start it again (it doesnt seem to matter how long after) sometimes it will not start. The key turns and hits the end of the turn and nothing! There is a resistance, as if it is trying to do something and alsoa slight hum or buz sound as the key reaches the cranking position and will not travel any further, this stops when released to the pre cranking possition but no cranking occurs. The car will start straight away with a push (ignition on and in third gear after a very short run) sometimes as i am jumping it i have tried the key and it has cranked....... as if the starter has been stuck and suddently become free?

The barrell (ignition) is a bit worn and sometimes will not turn at all but again this is very irratic and might only 'stick' 1 in 100 times.

I think it is either the ignition switch/barrell/complete unit but it might be the starter or a combination of the both?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

regards

john reynolds

 

[wblackw9]

Sounds like the imoboliser or alarm is draining the battery if not used frquent. Maybe get a trickle charger and leave it attached to the car when not in use?

 

[burrow01]

As above, sounds like something is draining the battery

You can test this by using a meter on the battery with everything switched off. - this will tell you what the current draw is. If it is excessive (can't remember the definition of excessive at the moment []) you can remove fuses one at a time to see which circuit it might be.

Pete

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Use the interior light to show on the meter a small but excessive drain.

It sounds like you need to take your car to a good auto electrician.

 

[phil pullinger]

I have had similar problems with my car,the trouble is you can led off track by various symtoms.I would certainly recommend disconnecting the clock temporarily.The imobiliser can be a pain ,mine caused me all sort of intermitant problems.The starter motor can also get a bit tired.The clock is quick to isolate and if the battery is good ,the starter motor being replaced.I would certainly disc the imobiliser temporarily.

 

[abidchowdhury]

Thank you for the replies.

I'm having a new starter motor installed today and also a battery isolation switch. That should sort the problem out for now, but its annoying not knowing the root of the problem, so I'll investigate the clock, immobiliser etc. when able.

Abid

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Under the passenger seat (RHD) next to the DME. If you slide the seat all the way forwards, and lift it up, I think you can get to it reasonably easily.

It seems to be standard practice to have a spare in the glove box. Mine failed a couple of weeks ago, while it was in for a service! Very convenient, as I didn't have to buy another spare.

 

[abz2]

Thanks Richard. Problem is I won't get one on a Sunday

 

[911 targa]

The DME is under the passenger seat you will need a 10mm ring spanner and that's all you need check the fuel pump fuse they don't go on forever
Paul

 

[abz2]

Thanks Paul,

I have checked the fuel pump fuse, thats fine.

 

[GeoffB]

Might be worth a check, had this happen on mine many years ago. Above the pedal box their are 3 plugs that go through the bulkhead one of mine had come adrift and stopped it starting. Good luck

 

[RICHOT89]

For a quick fix, you could look at the soldered conections in the DME and see if there are any hair-line cracks. Ususally you can only see these with a magnifying glass.
I understand this is the 'usual' reason for the DME failing, as it did on my son's SC and I found a hair-line crack, carefully resoldered it and Bob's your uncle - never been a problem since.

But keep a spare in the glove box anyway!

 

[graham tompkins]

Just seen this thread, certainly sounds like dme. You can check the dme by making a wire to link 30 to 87 and across to 87b . This will fire up the fuel pump which you should be able to hear running. As said,, always have a spare dme handy but the bridge is a get you out of jail bodge (don't leave it on after you stop as it makes the connection permenantly live)
Graham

 

[T911UK]

Erm, SC dont have DME's []

Go DME relay then cranks sensors

 

[graham tompkins]

Assumed 3.2 as on this forum [8|] Oh well

 

[chrishak]

Assumed 3.2 as on this forum [8|] Oh well

I think the OP's car is a 3.2, it's later that there's reference to an SC

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Assumed 3.2 as on this forum [8|] Oh well

T911UK was referring to RICHOT89's post about his son's SC.

 

[graham tompkins]

Ahhh, must read posts properly..I will beat myself with a wet copy of PP

 

[RICHOT89]

Perhaps it was my 3.2 rather than my son's SC that I did the resoldering - was years ago and as I had done so much work on my son's car, I assumed (incorrectly, as it happens) that it was his that I did this to.