Starting Problem

[jeremy_spoke_in 2]

My 205 S16 has been motd and taxed or a few weeks now, but i have another problem.

 

The car was sitting a few days and wouldn't start even when i tried to jump start it. I fitted a new battery and it started fine about 5 times over a 24 hour period, covering about 100 miles or so. I thought problem solved. Next time i tried to start it, it took a bit longer to fire up.

 

Went out this morning having disconnected the battery last night in case it was draining power some how. Re-connected battery and now it doesn't even try to turn over.

 

Everyting else seems to work: i can here fuel pump, lights on dash etc. Took the starter off to test and it works as it should.

 

Wiring isn't my strong point and it doesn't help that access is limited with the S16 in there.

 

I thought after getting it MOT'd after a year off the road, i might get to enjoy it for a while. Any advice on what do try would be appreciated, i tried a search but still could do with some help.

[pug_ham 245 3 Cars]

It could be the ignition switch or simply old wiring to the solenoid.

 

If you can reach in, try a wire direct to the solenoid from the battery positive & see if that works.

 

There are some topics about fitting a solenoid relay to help with starting issues, imomost are due to old wiring.

 

g

[jeremy_spoke_in 2]

I got a length of earth cable direct from the battery negative and attached it to a one of the starter bolts and it now starts and idles fine. When i remove this it doesn't want to idle, revs drop and it eventually just cuts out.

 

So i think if i clean the gearbox earth point and get a new length of earth cable (battery neg to gearbox mount) this should have the same effect.

[pug_ham 245 3 Cars]

Have you got the original earth stud to battery negative terminal fitted?

 

It shouldn't need two imo.

 

g

[jeremy_spoke_in 2]

Yes i have the original gearbox stud to battery terminal fitted.

 

I removed this and gave everything a good clean, refitted and it starts fine now. Hopefully it will run trouble free for a while.

 

Thanks for your help.