Ax non-starter

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Jaf
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Ax non-starter

Post by Jaf »

My dad’s car, Gwin, (1.1l, 1994) has lost cranking completely and suddenly. Starts easily with a bump start. Battery fine. Thinking starter solenoid or ignition switch? Does the steering wheel have to come off to get cowling off for access to the ignition switch?

Thanks
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
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moizeau
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Re: Ax non-starter

Post by moizeau »

Before going there check you've got a live and an ignition switched live to the solenoid. You can also short the solenoid or run a temp feed. Make sure it's neutral, don't want to run yourself over. Check the battery to engine earth as well.
Pete
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white exec
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Re: Ax non-starter

Post by white exec »

Hi Jaf,

Before removing the steering wheel or IGN swutch (not an easy job), make an electrical check to see
(a) is power reaching the starter motor solenoid (the small terminal on the starter motor) ?
(b) can the starter motor be made to operate by making a direct connection from this small terminal to Batt+ ?

This should point to where the fault is, and whether the starter motor and its attached solenoid are working or not.

Someone here might be able to post a (starting) circuit diagram for the car. Post the car's VIN so we get the right diagram.
Chris
Jaf
Posts: 514
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 19:17
Location: Oria, Spain
My Cars:
x 29

Re: Ax non-starter

Post by Jaf »

Right ok will check starter first. Tomorrow when it’s light. Will be novel to work on a car with room in the engine bay!

Dad’s just been taking a hammer to the steering wheel nut...
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
User avatar
moizeau
Donor 2024
Posts: 1589
Joined: 12 Jan 2015, 16:08
Location: France 36
My Cars: 91 BX TZD Estate. Dead but loved
407 HDI 136 auto
C4 2l petrol coupé
2010 Dispatch III HDI 90
AND a 1980 Z1000ST
AND a 1983 GPz1100 inj
AND a 1995 Zephyr 1100
AND a 1980 Z650 (my moped)
x 315

Re: Ax non-starter

Post by moizeau »

Good job it hasn't got airbags then! Do all other electrics work, dash lights, headlights etc.?
Pete
Notice the BX is still top the list but sadly gone
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Re: Ax non-starter

Post by RichardW »

Give the starter a good clonk with a hammer handle before you do anything - sticking brushes or solenoid can cause just this sort of odd failure.
Richard W
Jaf
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Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 19:17
Location: Oria, Spain
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x 29

Re: Ax non-starter

Post by Jaf »

It’s the ignition switch...wiggle the keys a few times and she starts.

Dad can’t get the steering wheel off though. He’s left it with slightly dicky switch for now.

Thanks everyone.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
User avatar
white exec
Moderating Team
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: Ax non-starter

Post by white exec »

If the IGN switch proves impossible to remove (some are very difficult), one modification alternative is to allow the IGN switch to turn the IGN on (as normal), but to fit a 'push-to-start' button somewhere convenient on the dash. This would simply route batt+ to the small terminal on the starter motor. You could also add a 30/40A relay to take the load off the switch.

A couple of nice-looking engine start switches on Amazon.es ...
Engine start switch.JPG
Chris
Jaf
Posts: 514
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 19:17
Location: Oria, Spain
My Cars:
x 29

Re: Ax non-starter

Post by Jaf »

Thanks Chris
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
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