Engine Won't Turn Over If Lights Are On

[EnglishRob 0]

Hi folks,

 

I'm still trying to sort out the starting problem with my pesky 205. It's been pretty well behaved over the past couple of weeks but I had another problem today which makes me wonder if the wiring is at fault or the battery.

 

The problem which has been happening is occasionally when I try and turn the engine over it won't start. I get a humming noise and the dash lights go slightly dimmer but the car won't start. I had the same problem this evening when I turned the headlights on before trying to start the engine. The car did start though when I turned the lights off. It's also happened again this evening.

 

One other thing I have noticed although this may not be related at all or even a fault but... when I turn the engine off the battery lights flickers on for a fraction of a second and then goes off.

 

Just wondering if it could possibly be a battery fault?

 

I'm hoping to have my Mi16 engine & starter motor fitted some time later on this year (in a couple of months) and I'm planning on fitting in the 405 wiring loom so hopefully if it is wiring this problem will go away.

 

Rob

[Anthony 1,003]

Sounds like the usual poor wiring / corroded multiplug problem to me, and having the lights on is causing just enough voltage drop to stop the solenoid engaging. Clean up or bypass the brown multiplug above the gearbox for the starter solenoid wire (light blue), clean up where it plugs onto the starter, and your probably will probably go away...

[EnglishRob 0]

Thanks for the info.

 

I'll have a look down my local DIY store later, see if I can find something to replace the brown connector with as a temporary measure.

 

Rob

[Guest BrainFluid]

Might as well check the charge of the battery after a run too. If it aint charging up to its full extent its not going to have the power spare to start the car while the lights are on, if you see what I mean.

 

Sorry if that sounds too obvious but its eaisily done with a voltmeter and its not like you have to buy/ go anyware to do it.

 

Good luck man.

[EnglishRob 0]

Might as well check the charge of the battery after a run too. If it aint charging up to its full extent its not going to have the power spare to start the car while the lights are on, if you see what I mean.

 

Sorry if that sounds too obvious but its eaisily done with a voltmeter and its not like you have to buy/ go anyware to do it.

 

Good luck man.

 

Well I'm sure it's worth trying. I haven't changed the battery since I got the car and I don't know how old it is so I guess it couldn't hurt. Just have to borrow a voltmeter off someone.

 

Rob