Intermittent failure to start

[simonhar]

Has anyone experienced this. 2002 1.6 k series - had the hot start K series click but the relay mod cured that and hasn't been an issue for many years since. Occasionally now, and either on a hot or cold engine I turn the key , press the starter button- one click and the car is dead-ignition lights don't come on and it doesn't start. Immobliser led still works and disarming still works but nothing on the rest of the car.Leaving the car alone for several minutes has worked, today I disconnected the battery and reconnected it(rebooting?) and immediately the car was back to normal and remained so.

[Jonathan Kay]

Intermittent and lots of possible causes...

Has this happened when the immobiliser hasn't been set recently? And is that the factory immobiliser... two buttons and a battery in the fob?

Any recent work?

I'd start (!) by:

1 Measuring the battery voltage at rest, minimum during cranking, and idle. 

2 Checking all of the relevant wires: battery, starter, ECU, ignition switch, starter button and relevant earths. Inspect, wiggle, disconnect, clean, reconnect. 

3 Having a look at that starter button. Is it really a button rather than a position of the ignition switch? When was it fitted?

Would you like a copy of the appropriate wiring diagram?

Jonathan

[SM25T]

Battery on the way out ? Check liquid level in each cell if a wet battery. Remove, clean and refit all fat red and black cables between battery, engine and chassis

[simonhar]

Yes, Rover two button immobliser fob, car used regularly and its a button fitted by me 15 years ago 

[Jonathan Kay]

Thanks

Jonathan

[Toughie]

Intermittent failure to start

I have, apparently, suffered from this.  My wife says the remedy is to nag more.

[paul richards]

I'd suggest cleaning all the contacts. Battery terminals and all earths i.e. engine to chassis.

[revilla]

I'd be checking the ignition switch carefully.

[John Vine]

Re #8:  Agreed, and especially any loose spade connectors. 

JV