3G: Dont turn over at start-up

Post by **Wayne2014** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:25 pm

Well
Never had a problem

But after a major service (everything incl cam belt etc)
And sat in my garage (with battery charger 24/7) for 3 weeks over xmas/ny...

Day 1
Took for a spin - no probs.
Parked up for petrol - filled up...
...started it up and it wouldnt turn?!!!

Tried a few times, it tries to start but just wouldnt turn over.
Over a course of 5mins, try, wait, try and it started.

Day 3
Went to work - no probs.
Drove to lunch - no probs.
Fill up at garage - sat there trying to turn for 5mins again

Any suggestions?

Cheers

Post by **Merlin** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:28 pm

Sounds like main relay. Main relay is a common problem in 4th gens. When it happens try opening the drivers door to help it cool down. See if opening the door allows the car to start quicker.

Post by **Wayne2014** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:34 pm

Merlin wrote:Sounds like main relay. Main relay is a common problem in 4th gens. When it happens try opening the drivers door to help it cool down. See opening the door allows the car to start quicker.

Thanks!
Where is the main relay?

Interesting both times happened at petrol station when i re-started with a short time.

Does that mean each time on short journeys wait LONGER before restarting?

Post by **Merlin** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:48 pm

The main relay issue happens because once the main relay gets hot, dry solder on the board no longer allows proper contact. Hence having to wait for it to cool down. A tell tail sign that it is the main relay is when the car does not start you cant hear the fuel pump prime.

On the 4th gen the main relay is under the drivers side if the dash. The relay needs to be removed, have its cover taken off, the old solder removed and new solder put on. It is an easy job and anyone with a soldering iron is able to do it.

Have a look at the 3rd gen service manual for specific main relay location.

Post by **Merlin** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:51 pm

Page 756 (section 16-6) of the 3rd gen service manual shows where the main relay is (or should be):

http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/wiki/in ... ce_Manuals

Dry old solder looks like this

Use a soldering iron to melt the solder off and then blob on some new solder

Post by **Wayne2014** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:54 pm

Merlin wrote:Page 756 (section 16-6) of the 3rd gen service manual shows where the main relay:

http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/wiki/in ... ce_Manuals

Dry old solder looks like this

Use a soldering iron to melt the solder off and then blob on some new solder

Thanks!!!

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 3:06 pm

My 3rd gen was really bad at doing this when I first got it. It'd start after a prolong period of being off, but heaven forbid I turn the engine off and want to start her up again soon after. Turns out it was running too rich and was simply flooding.

If you're able to, next time it happens, quickly whip out the plugs and check to see if they're saturated or not.

Post by **Wayne2014** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 3:22 pm

NafemanNathan wrote:My 3rd gen was really bad at doing this when I first got it. It'd start after a prolong period of being off, but heaven forbid I turn the engine off and want to start her up again soon after. Turns out it was running too rich and was simply flooding.

If you're able to, next time it happens, quickly whip out the plugs and check to see if they're saturated or not.

Whip out the plugs?
Me?
Lol
No chance!

Hmmm - i see how often it does it.
Look at the relay dry solder.
If continutes - maybe take it to a garage to look at ...

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 3:29 pm

Honestly mate, popping the plugs out is a doddle. Pull the HT lead off (I know you can do that!

). Then I think it's a 16mm socket to unscrew the plug (Anti-clockwise

). If you don't have a 16mm (If it is that size) spark-plug socket, a regular 16mm socket and magnet on a stick or a strong magnetic screwdriver will help you fish out the plug.

Then you're looking to see if the plug is wet.

Don't over-tighten the plug when putting it back though as the block is only aluminium.

Post by **Wayne2014** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 3:32 pm

NafemanNathan wrote: Honestly mate, popping the plugs out is a doddle. Pull the HT lead off (I know you can do that! ). Then I think it's a 16mm socket to unscrew the plug (Anti-clockwise ). If you don't have a 16mm (If it is that size) spark-plug socket, a regular 16mm socket and magnet on a stick or a strong magnetic screwdriver will help you fish out the plug.

Then you're looking to see if the plug is wet.

Don't over-tighten the plug when putting it back though as the block is only aluminium.

I know i know
I mean look at what happen to my fogs (whip em off, clean contacts. Whip em back in) - and thy still off - lol

No no
I may give it a go if Luke wasnt my daily car ...
Then i dont mind him sat in my garage if i get stuck