440TD intermittent starting

Jun 29th, 2006, 13:24

hi,

funny problem. My car has been starting fine for a while (since a dead battery) - last night when i went to turn it on, got up the glow plug light, but when i turned the key to the final stage, nothing but the dash lights cutting out. then when i removed the key the ignition stayed on - brake lamp warning and seat belt ticker stay on. also when i switched the interior roof light switch the open door light would light and then fade - regardless of the door being open or closed!

after checking, removing & replacing some fuses, no luck still wouldn't start (all fuses were fine), i called breakdown recovery, as i was waiting i thought i'd replace all the fuses, it then started fine! when i got home i checked it and started fine.

when i got up for work it was the same - glow plug light comes on but then nothing, turning the ignition off and even removing the key leaves warning lights and sealt belt ticker on!

any ideas - other than maybe a relay (i don't know which one) i have no ideas!

Thanks Thom

dralphs · Jul 2nd, 2006, 22:04

hi.

Never had this before, but i would check that all battery cables are fine, and securely attached at both ends. Double check the earth lead from battery to body/chassis and then to engine, as if the earth lead is dodgy you can get some weird symptoms.

Dave

Chesh740R · Jul 3rd, 2006, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by dralphs

hi.

Never had this before, but i would check that all battery cables are fine, and securely attached at both ends. Double check the earth lead from battery to body/chassis and then to engine, as if the earth lead is dodgy you can get some weird symptoms.

Dave

What this man said, when i'd just put my engine back in after doing the clutch on it, i went to start it and had all the same symptons listed above, checked everything and i hadnt connected the main engine earth strap on properly.

Jul 3rd, 2006, 11:17

It was indeed the earth to gearbox lead. The bolt had worked a bit loose! When i looked behind the wheel and got my dad to try and start it there was bparks arcing across the bolt did it up and now its fine!

i was looking for the starter motor at the time - where is it, i mean it shouldn't be difficult to find but it's managed to allude me so far!!

Thom

Chesh740R · Jul 4th, 2006, 00:16

The starter motor is well and truely hidden. Its towards the back of the engine, above the lefthand drive shaft and probably covered with a heatshield to protect it from the turbo. If i recall correctly.

If its working well, leave it well alone. One of the worst jobs in the world is replacing the starter motor on a 400series.

Jun 29th, 2006, 13:24	#1
turbo_thom Guest Location:	440TD intermittent starting hi, funny problem. My car has been starting fine for a while (since a dead battery) - last night when i went to turn it on, got up the glow plug light, but when i turned the key to the final stage, nothing but the dash lights cutting out. then when i removed the key the ignition stayed on - brake lamp warning and seat belt ticker stay on. also when i switched the interior roof light switch the open door light would light and then fade - regardless of the door being open or closed! after checking, removing & replacing some fuses, no luck still wouldn't start (all fuses were fine), i called breakdown recovery, as i was waiting i thought i'd replace all the fuses, it then started fine! when i got home i checked it and started fine. when i got up for work it was the same - glow plug light comes on but then nothing, turning the ignition off and even removing the key leaves warning lights and sealt belt ticker on! any ideas - other than maybe a relay (i don't know which one) i have no ideas! Thanks Thom

Jul 3rd, 2006, 11:17	#4
turbo_thom Guest Location:	Cheers It was indeed the earth to gearbox lead. The bolt had worked a bit loose! When i looked behind the wheel and got my dad to try and start it there was bparks arcing across the bolt did it up and now its fine! i was looking for the starter motor at the time - where is it, i mean it shouldn't be difficult to find but it's managed to allude me so far!! Thom

Jul 2nd, 2006, 22:04	#2
dralphs Member Last Online: Mar 7th, 2024 22:11 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oxford View Photos By: dralphs	hi. Never had this before, but i would check that all battery cables are fine, and securely attached at both ends. Double check the earth lead from battery to body/chassis and then to engine, as if the earth lead is dodgy you can get some weird symptoms. Dave

Jul 4th, 2006, 00:16	#5
Chesh740R Turbobricker Last Online: Apr 14th, 2024 18:09 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Wellingborough	The starter motor is well and truely hidden. Its towards the back of the engine, above the lefthand drive shaft and probably covered with a heatshield to protect it from the turbo. If i recall correctly. If its working well, leave it well alone. One of the worst jobs in the world is replacing the starter motor on a 400series.

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