Thought I'd ask on here before ripping into the Electrical system with a Multimeter . . .

My Multi (02 110 JTD ELX) very occasionally refuses to turn over, maybe one time in 40 or so starts.
All the Dash lights come on, it just doesn't turn over.
After 3 or 4 tries it's OK, but today it took about 10 goes.
I want to sort it before it refuses permanently.

So, has anyone had this before?

First port of call will be the solenoid connection on the starter, as that's the last thing I disturbed (during Gearbox removal/refit for Clutch change).

I don't think it's an earth or Battery connection fault, as nothing else electrical seems to be affected, although I will check them anyway.

Other than that, I'll be checking the Relay (anyone know where it is?), and the 'ignition' switch connections/contacts.

Check the earth strap from gearbox to body - easiest way is just to fit another temporary strap across from 'box or engine to body to see if it makes any difference.

Do you get a 'click' from the solenoid?

Will do.

Not sure if the Solenoid clicks or not, would you even hear it from inside?
If the solenoid was operating, but the starter didn't spin due to an earthing problem, I'd expect the lights to flicker, but there's not a trace of anything going on electrically.

Windows open and if the engine doesn't turn, I think you'd hear it clearly. If the solenoid clicks but the starter motor itself isn't able to draw sufficient current (because of knackered windings, dodgy earths etc), then I don't think the lights would dim. If they do, that points to a duff battery?

Starter is off my previous Multi.
Was only on it for a month or so before I scrapped it, so I fitted it when I refitted the gearbox recently.
Engine spins over nicely, so I think the Battery is fine.

Any dash warning lights (immobiliser etc) when it does happen?

widemouthfrog said:

Any dash warning lights (immobiliser etc) when it does happen?

Click to expand...

check that the dash lights ( battery / oil) do actually DIM a little, when turning the key..,
if they don't dim,

it may be that the starter is drawing no power from battery;

either wiring fault,

or worn disc in back of ign. barrel,

run a jump-lead to starter as the 1st test,


Charlie

All the usual dash lights come on (check/test mode) when key turned.

It did it again yesterday, and I looked closely at the dash as I tried it the two or three times it took to start.
Warning lights~no noticeable dimming, but the LCD display dimmed ever-so-slightly.

Will check Earth leads, and the lead to the starter motor.


I've been thinking of wiring in a separate start switch (big red push-button ), even before this started, so I may do that anyway.

All I need now is a decent wiring diagram . . .