4g not starting after key release

Post by **Drax** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 12:01 am

long story short (full story to come with pics etc soon) but had to re-solder an ignition barrel cap end to dash to light up and get it turning over, then had to replace the battery as the old one was mullered due to winter harshness.

now dash all lights up ok with 3/4 key turn and starts ok but as soon as you release the key then it cuts out again.
i had it running briefly twice this afternoon for 1-2 mins but thats it.

could i have flooded the engine? i did check my spark plugs and quickly cleaned them but them seemed pretty reasonable.
or maybe has the alternator now packed in?

bit stumped at the moment

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:47 am

Given what you've said there, I would suspect the ignition switch. Sounds like something in there is cutting the ignition when it moves back from start position to ignition position?

Post by **Drax** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 9:56 am

wurlycorner wrote:Given what you've said there, I would suspect the ignition switch. Sounds like something in there is cutting the ignition when it moves back from start position to ignition position?

is the ignition switch inside the ignition barrel or are they two different things? as I have tried my spare ignition barrel and it does the same thing.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 10:16 am

The barrel I would describe as the mechanical 'lock' part (the bit you put your key in)
The ignition switch I would describe as the electrical part on the end of the barrel that the key/barrel operates when you turn it.

If you've changed the whole thing (so the switch as well) then it's probably not that and I'd suggest trying a different main relay next?
If you've just changed the barrel (the mechanical key part) then that would make no difference, it's the switch part that matters.

Post by **Drax** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 11:24 am

this thing the ignition switch? (not my image)

if it is, that's the part I re-soldered but I have a spare so could cut the wires and plumb in the spare?

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 11:55 am

Yep, that's the ignition switch.
Rather than cutting any wires though, you should be able to swap it by unplugging it?

Post by **Drax** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 2:35 pm

wurlycorner wrote:Yep, that's the ignition switch.
Rather than cutting any wires though, you should be able to swap it by unplugging it?

the spare I have has been cut at the wires, otherwise I would

thanks for the info though Wurly, much appreciated

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 2:41 pm

Drax wrote:the spare I have has been cut at the wires, otherwise I would

Ah, that's a bummer

Post by **newkid** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 3:47 pm

Before cutting anything disconnect the switch from back of the barrel and try starting the car by just the switch. Could be the barrel is turning it to far back so its not in the correct position.

Post by **Drax** » Wed Apr 29, 2015 4:04 pm

newkid wrote:Before cutting anything disconnect the switch from back of the barrel and try starting the car by just the switch. Could be the barrel is turning it to far back so its not in the correct position.

if I disconnect the ignition switch from the barrel, surely it wont start the car...

the barrel was always turned back into the correct position before I took the switch off, you can't take the key out otherwise.