The 'E' Type Forum

Hi All,

Experiencing what appears to be a morphing starting issue. Initially and only occasionally when starting my S2, the solenoid would either click or chatter but the starter motor would not turn. The starter motor is a relatively new high torque unit and the battery brand new. Sometimes doing nothing the fault cleared and the car would start ok subsequently. Having this issue recently manifest itself it didn't clear and the symptoms changed. Now, when turning the ignition on all appears ok and the circuits power up but turning the key to start, a new problem has appeared. Basically the engine turns over and catches but as soon as the ignition key reverts back to the on position the engine cuts out! I have changed the ignition switch to no avail. I do not know if these are systems of the same fault or two separate issues but now the car simply will not start. Could it be the Starter Solenoid Relay if so where is it located?

Any help most gratefully received.

Regards

Further investigations now suggests two problems. The latter issue of the engine dying as soon as the ignition switch returns to on from start has been fixed. This was down to a damaged crimp connector on the Ballast Resister. Once this was repaired the engine started as it should. I suspect whilst investigating the former problem of the starter motor not turning and the solenoid chattering this subsequent fault was caused by me investigating. Problem is now until the problem occurs again its hard to investigate. Any thoughts though on the original starter motor issue would still be appreciated.

Thanks

Darren

Hi Darren...sounds like a starter motor problem..the contacts on the solonoid section....what make starter..some of the cheaper options have poor quality contacts.....Steve

Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the response. Although the Starter is relatively new I am beginning to suspect it too. To be honest I do not know what make the unit is, it was replaced by a very reputable E Type specialist along with several other bits and pieces I wanted doing a couple of years back. Problem is of course it usually seems to rectify itself without intervention and can go months without a problem. The car in that time has had very little use so the starter has hardly been used.

Cheers

Hi Darren...even new parts can be faulty straight out of the box....you could remove the starter..open it up and look for worn damaged contacts...Steve

Do you have access to another starter (the one you replaced? a friends?) so you can try a swap out andf see what happens?

Sounds to me like a loose earth strap connection.

Thanks for the responses Guys, much appreciated. I do have my old original starter which I may retro fit. Will also check the earthing. Problem is of course its very intermittent.