4 replies to this topic

[Brawlyrox]

Ok when i turn the ignition on it all lights up like it should, when i turn the key to start the car sometimes nothing happens, ive traced this down to be a dodgy connection in the loom underneath the steering wheel, would you suggest that the best way to fix it would be replace the junction box where the problem is, or just take all the wires out give them a good clean and replace them ensuring a good contact?

Cheers Nick

[Jordie]

i got this problem, before i changed the solenoid in engine bay. check for weak earth (rust / bad contact with inner wing).

its at the front left if u stand facing car.

[Purple Tom]

me too, dodgy solenoid connections, engine would run fine until you engaged reverse then it stopped, and only the headlights worked. Just make sure it isn't that first. Otherwise i'd just make sure all the connections are clean and you have continuity and no unusual resistances anywhere. Tom

[Dan]

Yup, sounds like dodgy solenoid or engine earth to me (or a dead solenoid). As above if you have the bendix starter and seperate solenoid on the wing. If the starter is pre-engaged or bendix with the solenoid mounted on the clutch housing (as in early cars) then check the mounting for either is good and tight and clean as this is the electrical connection also.

If the engine earth is dodgy then the throttle, speedo, choke and possibly heater cables (depending on where the valve is) might give you a clue by being all melted and burnt looking in places (since the engine will be trying to earth through them, and the throttle cable don't like 300 amps). If this is the case these cables will probably need replacing sooner rather than later as they won't last a lot longer.

Get a proper engine earth using a good chunky extra flexible battery cable instead of the bare braided ones. Make sure it's screwed into a good thick bit of plate like some of the doubled parts of the engine crossmember, not a rusted out old welded nut.

[Brawlyrox]

cheers i will have a look at those today, i will report back at the end of the day.