Ignition switch dead - no power

Hi all,

my 2005 Multijet sporting has developed a fault where the ignition switch does not work anymore. This happened suddenly so I suspect it may be a fuse or relay.

The lights and central locking work ok and the dashboard digital display works when opening the door and I'm getting over 12.3v at the battery.

When I turn the ignition switch however (have tried both keys) nothing happens and the dashboard lights do not come on and the starter does not operate etc.

I've check some of the 20A fuses in the fuse box under the dash and in the engine compartment. I've also swapped some of the relays around where possible (when there is more than one of same type). but still no joy.

I've taken the cowl off underneat the steering column and removed the multiplug from the ignition switch (the one with 3 wires) . I tested each for a voltage but all 3 are dead.

Any ideas what may be causing this? I think it is a fuse but not sure which one would power the ignition switch.

TIA

Maybe the immobiliser is remaining active.

You could try the 'main' fuses, which are in the box to the side of the battery.

Fuse F23 is labelled Ignition Switch (in my owners handbook for a 2005 car). This shows there to be a diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid, with F23 more or less in the centre of the second row of fuses. It shows that it is marked with a symbol like an open book, between F30, marked with the foglight symbol, and F18 with the 'engine' symbol (the numbers are all over the place!)

But, if one of these main fuses has blown. something pretty serious must have happened.

Pete

(sorry just re-read and seen that you have looked in this box already -- maybe not knowing which fuse was which. Be careful if you try swapping them around in there -- they are all different ratings and it is important that the correct one is used)

There are others that might affect it too... Does the interior light come on? Can you operate the side lights in 'parking light mode' (turn on, then off, the on again and they should work without the key). If no to either of these, then there is a monster fuse that supplies power to the Body Computer that makes all these work (Fuse F1 in that same box, top of third row. But if that has blown, then something really is amiss.

tommo1 said:

Maybe the immobiliser is remaining active.

Click to expand...

If this happens, the dash lights will come on as normal, but the yellow 'padlock' light stays on (normally it goes off after a second or two)

tommo1 said:

Maybe the immobiliser is remaining active.

Click to expand...

There is no power at all, which isn't the immobiliser.

Op, out of the 3 pin plug its the middle wire that should be constantly live.

I'd check the engine bay fuses, failing that the live connection on the alternator as that's where its connected before the fuse box I believe

Have you tried to bump start the car? If it starts this way, then you know the problem is related to the starter motor.

12.3 V on the battery under load or not doing anything? Load the battery up, then measure it. A battery can show a good voltage with no current following, but drop like a stone when under load.

Re: Ignition switch dead - no power

Thanks for the replies guys. Herts H. you were correct in that fuse F23 had blown. I've now replaced this and the dashboard lights/radio now come on with the ignition switch

Unfortunately now that starter motor does not turn . I guess this may explain the blown fuse? The solenoid seems to work ok but the motor does not turn. I guess this is either a bad connection to the starter or maybe worn brushes.

Check the connection at the starter and also at the battery terminals. A poor connection at either end can throw the solenoid but make a resistive joint when the main power is called for by the starter. Could also be a simple poor battery. Don't know if Pandas have them but some modern cars have a fused main wire to the starter. It doesn't look like a fuse at all and isn't replaceable so if all else fails check the continuity of the main starter wire.

I had the same problem recently, it was a 20A fuse, in the box under the bonnet.
New fuse new problem.

I am wondering if the starter switch is involved. They seem to be chepa enough on ebay, has anyone changed one?

Thanks

Daviator

Check the heavy positive leads to starter solenoid and alternator for chafing/short circuit


You can test the starter motor with a jump lead. You will have to get under the car to clip the lead on to the motor terminal. Touch the other end of the lead to the batter positive. The starter should turn but a very high current and no turning means it's failed internally.