Zed won't start :( Help!

[GedS]

So drove my car to work this morning (startup was a bit poor, didn't spark on first couple of key turns, then started), when I came back to the car in the afternoon, it wouldnt start at all.

- Battery: All electrics are fine, windows, seat heaters, air con, lights etc, wipers run fine (haven't tested the voltage yet but will in the morning)
-Tried to jump & bump start, but nothing, just the gears catching, but no engine turnover at all
-Key "appears" to function ok. Unlocks the car, 1st 2 positions seem fine, and I did a method 2 sync which seemed to work, but wouldn't help the non start issue.
-I can hear the relay to the starter clicking
-I can hear the fuel pump (or at least what I think is the fuel pump when I turn the key

I'm now out of ideas, except for tw@tting the starter motor

Can any of you guys help and save me a packet?

Thanks in advance folks

 

[sw4nny]

So drove my car to work this morning (startup was a bit poor, didn't spark on first couple of key turns, then started), when I came back to the car in the afternoon, it wouldnt start at all.

- Battery: All electrics are fine, windows, seat heaters, air con, lights etc, wipers run fine (haven't tested the voltage yet but will in the morning)
-Tried to jump & bump start, but nothing, just the gears catching, but no engine turnover at all
-Key "appears" to function ok. Unlocks the car, 1st 2 positions seem fine, and I did a method 2 sync which seemed to work, but wouldn't help the non start issue.
-I can hear the relay to the starter clicking
-I can hear the fuel pump (or at least what I think is the fuel pump when I turn the key

I'm now out of ideas, except for tw@tting the starter motor

Can any of you guys help and save me a packet?

Thanks in advance folks

Where are you based maybe someone could help with a code reader,I am know mechanic but my best guess would be coils

 

[GedS]

Im based in stockport.

Ive just been reading up on ignition switch faults. Might try that. Would seem to fit the fault.... Its only position 3 that doesnt respond, so maybe??????

 

[fixit man]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

 

[GedS]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

But would it not start when bump started if it was the starter?

 

[VRSteve]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

But would it not start when bump started if it was the starter?

Yup

 

[GedS]

Therefore, not a starter motor??

I am mechanically retarded by the way .

 

[fixit man]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

But would it not start when bump started if it was the starter?

Yes it should ..if he got enough road speed up etc., also shouldn't the engine crank over if the relay is clicking ?

 

[GedS]

still no joy with this situation My lovely zed is stranded. Looks like the only option is an indy and potentially getting ripped off.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

For £15 or so try swapping out the ign switch?

 

[Cookie]

GedS, I had exactly the same issue yesterday. All the vital signs were there. Doors unlocked all ignition lights on, relay clicking but no fire.
Put the volt meter across the battery and there were 9.74v where there should have been around 12.4v. Out came the jump leads and away we go first turn of the key. Quick check on voltage with engine running and we have 14.3v. So all seems to be charging. Decided to go for a run for 20 minutes, calling in at my local indie on the way. They kindly put the battery tester on it for me and the battery was only at 20%. finished my run and after tea went to start the Z, again. No joy again.
This morning first thing picked up replacement battery and fitted. 12.7v standing and 14.7v with engine running. All running again. I would suggest you call in to your local guy and get a battery check done first.

 

[Cookie]

Just seen a typo on my last post where I said battery was at 20% when it was actually 60%.

 

[Truman]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

But would it not start when bump started if it was the starter?

It should unless you make the same mistake as my mate...we tried 3 times to bump start his car...it was only after the third time he realised he'd not turned the ignition on....he was really popular I can tell you...

 

[fixit man]

Sounds like it could be the starter motor too... if the starter relay is clicking ignition switch would be ok but not the starter , best to get a volt meter and start measuring

But would it not start when bump started if it was the starter?

It should unless you make the same mistake as my mate...we tried 3 times to bump start his car...it was only after the third time he realised he'd not turned the ignition on....he was really popular I can tell you...

Yes, exactly what I was thinking ....there's a lot to get right

 

[Ethicsgradient]

Not unheard of for a starter motor to suddenly crap itself .. Mine did .. Stopped for fuel on the M6 toll road on way home from sweatyland .. Thought uh oh when I felt it behave sluggish and sound a bit off, but it managed to start it . Got home ..went to bed .. got up in the morning ..bet myself a tenner she wouldn't start , I won my bet .

 

[Mr Tidy]

OP, all the electrics like lights, etc. will work with a tired battery, but the starter motor takes much more power than anything else on the car so that might be more than the battery can manage.

If you can hear the starter motor relay clicking that would suggest to me it isn't a duff ignition switch as I would assume that relay only operates when the key is in position 3.

There was a similar thread yesterday or the day before and the poster fitted a new battery and all was good - if it's condition is terminal even jump leads may not work.

I'm guessing you don't have breakdown cover - if you have, call them out and they'll test it (RAC will even supply a replacement - but you do have to pay for it)!

Failing that do you have access to a battery from something else that you know works? If so swap them over and see what happens.

Otherwise I'd be tempted to buy a battery anyway and see - any idea how old your battery is?

Hope you get it sorted.

 

[GedS]

Turns out to be the EWS or body control unit. Anyone replaced one or fixed this issue before?

 

[aggressive]

Are you sure it's not the starter? I had basically all the same symptoms as yourself lights working, able to remote lock etc and it turned out to be my starter. Have you tried giving the solenoid a technical knock :headbang: while cranking?