'The Old Random No Start Syndrome'

[overseas dude]

you might also want to check the cables leading to you starter relay. After years of service they tend to get corroded at the connections.

in regard to your key problem, they can disable the immobiliser in your ecu so it doesn't need your antenna ring
Another option is having two (or more) new keys cut without the RFID. Then carefully cut/pry the RFID out of your old key and glue that chip(or the complete key ) under your antenna ring, this will also effectively disable your immobiliser.

[Matthews 855 T5]

How often is it not starting?
Matt

[Paul240480]

Hi Matt.
Very random. Going backwards from today :

4 starts on the button
Yesterday, 3 starts in morning , on the button . Then late afternoon, started 3rd go.
Sat first time then nipped to shop, came out turned key - nothing not even spinning. Then wait a min, fired and died. Did this several times then fired on the button .
On the return in channel tunnel in waiting area, it didn't turn on our call, then fired into life.
On the train, I advised the staff of the problem. They got recovery on stand by , but it fired on the button.
Next morning , span and span on starter. Waited a minute... On the button.
You get the idea. It always starts, but gives you that 'heart in mouth' will it won't it moment .

[Matthews 855 T5]

Crumbs. More annoying than worrying, glad it hasn't left you stranded.

At first I thought it was it was starting well from cold fine but causing issues when warm but it seems to be a problem as and when it feels like it.

Do you have any code reading machines?

If you've done all the checks, battery, starter, all connections, earths as well as fuel pressure, plugs, leads etc then I'd be looking at testing the antenna ring and cleaning its connectors. I'm 99% sure the antenna ring isn't coded to the key/immobiliser. So a good s/hand one should work.

Do you have both keys and is the intermittent issue on one or both keys? Does the light around the ignition lock illuminate in a full circle?

Matt

[Paul240480]

Volsaa pulled these codes (clicky for full size) when I was in Derby visiting Mum. They 'squeezed' me in between jobs, after me explaining my onward journey later that day..Didn't have time to investigate further for me.
It refused to start when they went to pull it into their workshop. The mec did , like I've done wiggle the trigger wire and it fired up (though sometimes that doesn't work).
I don't fully understand these codes, or if I need do anything in relation to any of them.
The reception chap said the transponder code was 'weird', as he reckoned that if the transponder was 'dead', then it simply would not start until it was replaced. As mine does eventually start & then is fine, he doubted that one....

Matt, I only have the one key.
I'm working my way through connections. Including the starter relay. Doing one-by-one to see if I can narrow it down, if that makes sense. Trying 'free' before digging into pocket too.
Its on coil packs by the way.
Yes my understanding is that antenna ring/transponder is a straight swap on these.
Need to look at the light, to see if it is 'full circle' . Whats the relevance on that?
Thanks.

[Matthews 855 T5]

Definitely do the basics first. It will be something simple.

Interesting codes on the immobiliser. The light question is just to check whether the antenna ring is getting power and what is the resistance through it. Remove ecu and clean connections, same with the immobiliser box.

I'm sure there are other tests that can be done, and hopefully there are others here who are more informed than me.

Just a hunch. I'm wondering if one of the side windows or front/rear screen have been replaced then not wired in properly or wiring through the rear hinge is causing the car to think it's been broken into, hence the glass wire code.

Matt

[Baffler]

My first port of call would be the electrical portion of the ignition switch...that is if it hasn't been replaced recently. If the contacts in the switch have a high resistance (burning/arcing) the ECU will receive and throw all kinds of messages.

[Paul240480]

Thanks all for all replies so far

Yesterday, three start ups on the button.

This morning, span but no start two times, then 3rd on the button.
Then again, 2 attempts, then again on the button.

I have sourced a fuel pump controller/relay . Just need to go and collect to try that one.
Transponder ring (antenna) also, that is being sent in the next few days.
I shall, try them one by one, to see which (if any) is the culprit.
Certainly no bills in the file to say they have ever been looked at.

[Paul240480]

Still awaiting delivery of my antenna ring, which I now know is in French an antenne de nieman!

I did out of curiosity remove the one there now. I found the connector held on like this.

Yep 'held' on with a zip-tie. Clearly it's been tampered with.
On looking at the terminals.

That 3rd one looks as if it's been a bit hot, and is clearly 'bent'.
FWIW I gave teminals and connector a blast of contact cleaner and attempted to straighten the bent terminal, then slapped it back into place.
It's started every time on the button since, but it is going to be replaced when I take delivery.
Fingers crossed.

[Matthews 855 T5]

Looks to be the likely culprit to your random no start issues.

What's next, will you modify it?

Matt