Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

No fault codes and it refuses to start?
That is strange to me!
How do You know that the engine light does not come on when it does not start? Isn't it supposed to be on until the car starts?

Jörgen

[madDan]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Sounds like something at or talking to the ECU is getting it's knickers in a twist, maybe a sensor it is trying to read is misbehaving.

Bare in mind resetting the ECU or removing battery lead clears all logged none hard faults.

What state is your Battery in? if it is low it could cause funny symptoms. How old is it?

[OrangeDave]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Sounds like something at or talking to the ECU is getting it's knickers in a twist, maybe a sensor it is trying to read is misbehaving.

Bare in mind resetting the ECU or removing battery lead clears all logged none hard faults.

What state is your Battery in? if it is low it could cause funny symptoms. How old is it?

Ah, now that is an interesting point. I've heard that bad batteries can cause all sorts of problems. Incidentally, how long are batteries supposed to last for before replacement is required?

[137699]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Typically 3-5 years but it depends on how the battery is maintained, how often you use the car, how long you run on each journey, what current draw there is when the car is switched off (radio / alarm / accessories) etc.

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

I replaced the battery with a brand new one a few days ago. With regards to the fault codes, what I meant was that once I get the car started, it runs fine,non engine light etc and will continue to run and drive perfectly. If I then switch off the engine, and connect the diagnostic scanner, no fault codes are stored. When you try to start it, the N symbol flashes briefly now and then and the starter will not activate.
Disconnect the battery and reconnect, or as suggested by madDan, remove and replace fuse 27 and the car will once again start and drive perfectly. Someone suggested I check the brake switch which I have also done and it seems fine.

Help!!!

[137699]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

The fact that you say "N" flickers and you can hear the clutch actuator Doing something suggest to me that it could somehow be gearbox related - the fact that resetting power sorts it may suggest its something like the clutch actuator sticking or the gear position sensor giving the wrong signals?

It may be time to enlist the help of an expert. You may have reached the point where you need to start swapping components until you nail down the culprit.

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Thanks for the help 137699. I was thinking that it might be coming down to trying swapping components, I will have to try and find a local specialist as you suggest.
Many thanks to everyone for the help and advice, will let you know how it goes.

[madDan]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

The flickering N is intriguing?

I take it the first time when it starts fine this isn't happening?

Almost like it doesn't think it is in Neutral and therefore won't let it start maybe.

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Hi MadDan,

Yes you are quite right, when you connect the battery (remove/replace fuse 27) the N comes straight on in the display and the car starts straight away.

When it fails to start it is as you say, I think that the car is assuming that it is not in neutral and blocking the starter!

[davros7760]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

I have also cleared a starting problem with the same symptoms by placing the car in reverse and gently
rocking the car.
In all the panic, did you ever manage to try this test?

In my case we put it down to a sensor being marginally out of line as it was a one off, but IF it
solved your problem it may well point to a dodgy sensor

[madDan]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

maybe best getting it onto a winstar thingy and they can run tests on the gearbox functionality (maybe the gear sensor is playing up?)

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Thanks davros7760, I did try rocking the car as suggested by someone else but I have not tried it with the car in reverse, I will give that a try tomorrow.

It has been suggested that it might be a dodgy gear position sensor or clutch actuator but I don't have donor ones to try replacements without going to a specialist. Having said that, my local specialist has just told me that the car would probably need a new SAM and wiring loom with a quote of £1500+ !!

[madDan]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

clutch actuator shouldn't effect what gear it is in.

What has the SAM got to do with it? - it is ECU related specifically the gearbox.

[137699]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

What "specialist" was that?

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

I am sorry if You are getting to many "good advice" but there is one thing I am curious about. Have You tried to have it in reverse when turning of and then choose N before trying to start?


That would give some sensors something to do to get there minds of preventing the car from starting.
Seriously, if the sensor is busy working it might just give another result than if it is just checking the position of stuff.

Jörgen