Ax non-starter

Jaf · Unread post by **Jaf** » 05 Dec 2019, 17:18

My dad’s car, Gwin, (1.1l, 1994) has lost cranking completely and suddenly. Starts easily with a bump start. Battery fine. Thinking starter solenoid or ignition switch? Does the steering wheel have to come off to get cowling off for access to the ignition switch?

Thanks

Unread post by **moizeau** » 05 Dec 2019, 17:32

Before going there check you've got a live and an ignition switched live to the solenoid. You can also short the solenoid or run a temp feed. Make sure it's neutral, don't want to run yourself over. Check the battery to engine earth as well.

white exec · Unread post by **white exec** » 05 Dec 2019, 17:35

Hi Jaf,

Before removing the steering wheel or IGN swutch (not an easy job), make an electrical check to see
(a) is power reaching the starter motor solenoid (the small terminal on the starter motor) ?
(b) can the starter motor be made to operate by making a direct connection from this small terminal to Batt+ ?

This should point to where the fault is, and whether the starter motor and its attached solenoid are working or not.

Someone here might be able to post a (starting) circuit diagram for the car. Post the car's VIN so we get the right diagram.

Jaf · Unread post by **Jaf** » 05 Dec 2019, 17:50

Right ok will check starter first. Tomorrow when it’s light. Will be novel to work on a car with room in the engine bay!

Dad’s just been taking a hammer to the steering wheel nut...

Unread post by **moizeau** » 05 Dec 2019, 17:58

Good job it hasn't got airbags then! Do all other electrics work, dash lights, headlights etc.?

Unread post by **RichardW** » 05 Dec 2019, 19:39

Give the starter a good clonk with a hammer handle before you do anything - sticking brushes or solenoid can cause just this sort of odd failure.

Jaf · Unread post by **Jaf** » 19 Dec 2019, 20:48

It’s the ignition switch...wiggle the keys a few times and she starts.

Dad can’t get the steering wheel off though. He’s left it with slightly dicky switch for now.

Thanks everyone.

white exec · Unread post by **white exec** » 19 Dec 2019, 22:18

If the IGN switch proves impossible to remove (some are very difficult), one modification alternative is to allow the IGN switch to turn the IGN on (as normal), but to fit a 'push-to-start' button somewhere convenient on the dash. This would simply route batt+ to the small terminal on the starter motor. You could also add a 30/40A relay to take the load off the switch.

A couple of nice-looking engine start switches on Amazon.es ...

Jaf · Unread post by **Jaf** » 20 Dec 2019, 09:57

Thanks Chris

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