Car failed to start after it's run this year

Post Thu May 09, 2013 1:05 pm

On Monday took my Tech1 out for it's first run of the season, roughly around 40 miles. On the way home pulled into Homebase to get a couple of things but when I returned to start the car nothing. No noise absolute silence. Gave it a couple of minutes to stand and then tried again, this time the car started and I've not had a problem since. Does anyone know what it could be as I'd hate to go on a longer drive and get stuck miles from home.

Post Thu May 09, 2013 1:13 pm

Check all the engine to body earths. I presume you mean even the starter motor failed to turn the engine over?

Could be a failing starter solenoid, or just a loose connection from the ignition switch, possibly even a failing battery - they don't like being sat unused for long.

Post Sat May 11, 2013 5:38 am

nullport

Post Sat May 11, 2013 9:28 am

ranxerox wrote:Possibly a slight hiccup with CPS? That has come up recently in a similar post.

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=237743

Could have been a slightly corroded connection to the CPS.

This is a 'no cranking' situation, not a 'not starting' one, so nothing to do with the CPS.
Need to know what the dash warning lights do when the problem occurs.
When the problem next happens, link together pins 11 and 14 of the diagnostic socket with a short piece of wire to see if that will make it crank.
Identify and mark the pins in the socket in advance.

Post Mon May 13, 2013 1:29 pm

There's no problem with the battery as it's been isolated over the winter. As far as I remember nothing strange appeared on the dash light's but I'll check as suggest next time it occurs. I'll try and give the car a run out sometime this week to try and replicate the problem.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Post Mon May 13, 2013 2:01 pm

Just because the battery has been disconnected doesn't stop them from self-discharging, unless they are regularly recharged, or preferably, trickle-charged.

Post Mon May 13, 2013 2:08 pm

Speedtouch wrote:Just because the battery has been disconnected doesn't stop them from self-discharging, unless they are regularly recharged, or preferably, trickle-charged.

This is true, but the car has been started and driven since being laid up.
Have you checked that the headlamps will work?