Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

[firestormxtreme]

Does anyone know what the cause of this issue is as I also have exactly the same problem too

[davros7760]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

The gel batteries are rather susceptible to abuse but the symptoms outlined don't quite match mine.

Saying that, my ECU proved to be at fault but was a nerve wracking, expensive business to prove.
Along the way I have unintnetionally acquired a matched SAM/ECU/clock and keys for test purposes.

I estimate both Streaky and rarefaction are within driving distance of me - if you want to swap out your systems
to see if you clear the problem you are welcome to do so.

[madDan]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Try buying some contact cleaner and giving all the gear box related connectors a squirt, You will need to let both parts dry before reconnecting.

While you are under there inspect the cables for any wear marks - particularly the actuator cable where it passes under the sharp edge of the intercooler scoop (None Brabus)

One thing that apparently doesn't throw warning codes is the crank position sensor, but that is normally a case of the car cutting out rather than not spinning up the starter

[streaky]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Thanks for the advice, however I can't see it being related to bad wiring because as I mentioned earlier, if you disconnect the battery for 5 to 10 seconds and reconnect it, the car starts, runs, changes gear and drives perfectly and will continue to do so until the engine is switched off. At this point, a restart fails, flickering N etc

Paul

did you get it sorted ? mine is doing the same !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scaletrix]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Hi

This really sound like a sensor problem, disconnecting the battery would return the programing back to factory default. Either that or there could be a drain on the battery created whilst the car has been running. Have you tried to turn on your lights full beam whilst trying to restart (without disconnecting battery)

Nic

[137699]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Have you spoken to Sam at Forsmart yet?

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Well,
Mine always started after disconnecting the battery. I see Your point though. It is not quite the same. Yours don't stop working until You turn it off Yourself.

Jörgen

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Thanks for the advice, however I can't see it being related to bad wiring because as I mentioned earlier, if you disconnect the battery for 5 to 10 seconds and reconnect it, the car starts, runs, changes gear and drives perfectly and will continue to do so until the engine is switched off. At this point, a restart fails, flickering N etc

Paul

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

With the flickering N and the intermittent nature of the problem, it may be worth checking the wiring harness and connectors relating to the gearbox again.
Cheers!

Why did I not think of that!

http://www.smartmaniacs.co.uk/showthread.php?39395-Three-lines-and-a-tow-truck!&highlight=

Jörgen

[Kapt. Q]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

With the flickering N and the intermittent nature of the problem, it may be worth checking the wiring harness and connectors relating to the gearbox again.
Cheers!

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Hi Jorgen

Thanks for the help. When it refuses to start, I can hear clicking which is coming from the clutch actuator, I had a look under the car to see what it was doing and it is moving in and out about 10mm or so. The car doesn't select or try to select N before flickering. Hope that helps.

Many thanks

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

When it refusese to start, if You try and put in in and out of gear, can You hear it doing something?

Jörgen

[krassegrand]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

I have tried switching it off in reverse and then selecting n before restarting but the same thing happens unfortunately

I am sorry to be asking questions one by one but ideas pop up.
When You turn it of in reverse, and then try to start, can You hear it selecting N before flickering the N? If it does not I guess it could be some sensor indicating what gear it is in that is not working right. To be honest, even if it does it could still be the same sensor.
Sorry that I can not be of more help.

Jörgen

[137699]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

You have a really good mobile Smart specialist. It a million miles away in Sam / Forsmart. He is based in York but is mobile so will likely come to you.

[rarefaction]

Re: Roadster Starting Problem, help please!

Hi
Thanks for the messages, the specialist is a local Mercedes and smart workshop in Tyneside. I complained to the owners about the service and they refunded my money but I don't really want to go back there.

I have tried switching it off in reverse and then selecting n before restarting but the same thing happens unfortunately