Not Starting - Help!

[Rubberducky]

Hi people, as the description says, we have a Mk1 petrol 2.3 Galaxy that is now refusing to start, it has been intermittent for a while now but as of today refuses to start altogether.

 

I know someone who had a similar problem with his mk1 and suggeted it was a relay, number 30. So I have replaced that today but still no joy. I even took the cover off the relay, to check if it's operating correctly and it is.

 

One thing has changed since I did this though, sometimes if I turn the ignition on I get a series of 5 beeps coming from the behind the dash somewhere.

 

The immobiliser light in the door panel seems to be operating correctly, steady blink when the cars locked and completely off when the car is unlocked. Everything else appears to be operating correctly, radio/central locking/lights etc.

 

When we put the ignition on, it goes through its usual checks but turn the key and the engine won't turn over.

 

I'm running out of ideas (and hair) now.

 

Thanks in advance. :P

[Steven.Langdale]

To confirm, it wont turn over at all, rather than turns over but wont start?

 

The non start is the relay - a faulty one stops the fuel pump from running and therefore pressurising the fuel rail.

 

I've had the 5 beeps ones before - was a knackerd battery.

 

I think it also indicates either a faulty cam or crank position sensor (can't remember which) the Haynes manual covers them both.

 

Steven

[Rubberducky]

To confirm, it wont turn over at all, rather than turns over but wont start?

 

Correct, so it did kind of eliminate the relay, but a spare cost me nothing and it was a quick check. :16:

 

Battery, good point, i pushed that one out of my mind as it's not been showing any signs of a battery going bad but i should have learnt now not to assume anything. That will be my next check :P

 

Cheers for your reply Steven. :16:

[mikej]

When you turn on the ignition to start the engine what is the led doing on the door ?

[Iain T]

Same thing happened to me yesterday and I have spent all day playing with it as I am a mechanic and it was still doing my head in. All same symptoms as yours but when put key in the ignition the immobolisor light on door would flash fast.

 

Out of desperation started wiggling all the relays includng no 30 ended up knocking a hole in relay 53 and now its going again, starting everytime on the button. So I think my fault was with relay 53. I have a parts location componant book but does not tally up the diagram as the relay numbers & layout are different. I am sure my fault is 53 relay and I have no idea what it does. try 53. Can anyone tell me what 53 is? (mines a mkI 2.3 1998)

[Rubberducky]

Sorry, been at work all day.

 

It's not the battery. Swapped it out for a new one still doing it, a machanic we go to sometimes has suggested the starter motor could be to blame

 

Same thing happened to me yesterday and I have spent all day playing with it as I am a mechanic and it was still doing my head in. All same symptoms as yours but when put key in the ignition the immobolisor light on door would flash fast.

 

Out of desperation started wiggling all the relays includng no 30 ended up knocking a hole in relay 53 and now its going again, starting everytime on the button. So I think my fault was with relay 53. I have a parts location componant book but does not tally up the diagram as the relay numbers & layout are different. I am sure my fault is 53 relay and I have no idea what it does. try 53. Can anyone tell me what 53 is? (mines a mkI 2.3 1998)

 

I saw 53, was that on the bottom level with 30? or the next one up? No idea what it does either the handbook numbers don't match up with whats actually in there.

[Rubberducky]

When you turn on the ignition to start the engine what is the led doing on the door ?

 

 

Sorry, missed this one also.

 

The led in the door doesn't do anything. That is to say it operates as it should, lighting up for a few seconds then going off when the ignition is on.

 

Thanks for all the replies so far guys :)

[Rubberducky]

Ok, bit more investigation I think it's definately the starter motor, got someone to stand over it whilst turning the key and you can hear it clicking. Putting it in 4th gear and rocking it back and foward again gets a clicking noise. Assuming it's the solenoid seizing.

 

Will be a couple of days before I can get hold of one to swap out, but if it works I'll update. :)

[gregers]

hit it with a hammer to try and get it to start.

[seatkid]

hit it with a hammer to try and get it to start.

Ah....the universal remedy..... :)

[NikpV]

you certain its not the battery?

[n.peckdd]

Hello Folks,

 

I've got a smilar problem with my 2.3 (no led flashes though). The starter fires but does't turn over?

 

Any ideas please?

[seatkid]

Check Battery first (check voltage when starting)

Then leads to battery/earth/starter motor

Then Starter Motor

 

Rocket science :ph34r:

[Rubberducky]

you certain its not the battery?

 

Yes mate, swapped it out for a new one, no fix.

 

It's definately the starter, you can trace the clicking to the solenoid. It's well and truly seized though, shock therapy (hammer) and direct current didn't sort it.

 

We have sourced a replacement, I should be able to fit it tomorrow.

[Rubberducky]

Right guys, all sorted. Picked up a brand new starter today, 60 notes from a local back street place. We knocked him down from 80 :)

 

Fitted it earlier and everythings all sorted, starts like a dream again :)

 

Thanks for all the replies guys..... :)

 

Now, onto the next problem........ :blink: