Car won't start - ignition problem?

[markatkinson]

'87 GTE 2.0 8v has just been serviced (including new spark plugs) and MOT'd. I took it out yesterday afternoon, no problems. Parked it on the drive at abut 2pm. At about 7.30 I went to put it in the garage, and it wouldn't start. The battery is fully charged, all the dash lights come on etc when you turn the key. It just doesn't turn over, and there is no clicking sound from the starter motor. I've pulled all the HT leads off and given them a quick spray, and made sure they are all plugged in properly, but there's still nothing. I'm wondering if I should try replacing the ignition coil which would be a fairly cheap and easy straight swap, but I'm no electrician so any suggestions on what the fault is and how to remedy it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[STEVEBOXER]

Hi,does it turn over and try and start or is it just completely dead?

[markatkinson]

It doesn?t turn over and I can?t hear the click sound from the starter motor. Apart from the dash lighting up absolutely nothing happens.

[James C]

Have you checked the ignition barrel and plastic ignition switch are completely connected.

I had this problem with a mk2 and it was these two parts coming away as the little grub screw lost itself somehow.

It would get to key position ii but didn't teach far enough to hold iii to engage starter.

[markatkinson]

Have you checked the ignition barrel and plastic ignition switch are completely connected.

I had this problem with a mk2 and it was these two parts coming away as the little grub screw lost itself somehow.

It would get to key position ii but didn't teach far enough to hold iii to engage starter.

Hadn?t thought of that. The toddler was ?driving? yesterday which means vigorously using the wiper / indicator stalks. I?ll have a look! Thanks.

[easytrans]

Another thing that can occur is the little (solenoid) wire on the starter motor at the back of the engine can come off or detached from its terminal.

Your symptoms point to nothing more than the starter not being energised, obviously you can confirm that by getting a couple of mates to give you a bump start:

That's pushing you down the drive/road with the ignition turned on so all dash lights are on, and with your foot fully down to the floor on the clutch pedal and with second gear engaged. Once you are rolling as fast as they can you can sharply lift the clutch for 2 seconds and then depress it again, the engine "should" fire up .... if not first time (following having dipped the clutch to the floor) repeat it (lifting) again for 3 seconds ....... By this time your mates (or the missus should you choose) will be out of puff so don't get too far away from home as they may run off to the pub leaving you to break your back pushing it backwards to get it back home

Usually and reading your symptoms it should bump start ... (assuming you put everything back when you were checking HT leads etc )

NOTE: just because it bump starts that will not resolve your "starter" problem but it will prove the engine will run, so don't switch off until you drive back home.

Check the IGN barrel first like James suggests, then if not feel down the back of the engine for that loose wire at the starter (before bump starting as it will be cooler then).

Other than that good luck and let us know how you get on.

Laurie.

[DarrenH]

Agree sounds like starter solenoid wire, black with red trace . Aftermarket alarms sometimes intercept that wire too, so old malfunctioning electrics might confuse things . Gte have tilt adjust steering columns too, which means all the loom bundle has to bend near the ignition barrel ... I've had wires fatigue, I could make the car cut out while driving by adjusting the column, nice party trick

[markatkinson]

I?ve checked the solenoid wire which seems to connect ok. I?ve checked the ignition barrel which again I think looks like it should. I?ve replaced the ignition coil. It still won?t start! Any more ideas before I admit defeat and get it towed back to the garage?

[markatkinson]

Is it worth replacing the solenoid?

[Ian T]

Have you got a Volt meter, or a 12V lamp on crocodile clips? I think you need to check you have 12V on that wire to the solenoid when you try to crank the engine over.

Any immobiliser / alarm that might be obstructing you?

[easytrans]

Is it worth replacing the solenoid?

Its not the best thing to change and it may not the your main issue as you would usually get that "click" when turning the key. My 1.8 has that problem from time to time just clicks but does not engage so I'm actually changing the starter next week.

Like Ian says if you can test that wire it will help rule a few things out.

So another option you can try is ...

You know where that solenoid small wire is now? if you can find a spare piece of wire with a spade terminal on one end (it will need to be at least a meter long) then:

1) endure the car is in neutral
2) unplug that small wire from the solenoid and fit the spare length of wire in its place
3) check again that car is in neutral and switch on the ignition
4) now return to under the bonnet and take the other end of that spare wire and touch it "briefly" against the + (positive) terminal of the battery

It should directly engage the starter and if all is well start the car.

If not then, and there's no sound (click) or anything then it could be the starter / solenoid.

Very rare but I have seen occasions where the engine has lost all earthing points preventing it starting, easy test with a jumper lead between the - (minus) of the battery and some point on the engine. ..... LoL back in the 70's I've seen many a Vauxhall Viva choke cable glowing red hot as its acting as the only metal connection between engine and body !

Don't give up Mark, it was working so it has to be something simple (though tracking it down rarely is)

Laurie.