won't start

[Spook]

Guys,
Advice pls - the beast decided not to start today.

she happily turns over but no start, struggled yesterday when i dropped mrs spook and kids off after using her Toyota all weekend, but eventually started.
its been a bit lumpy on start for a few days, checked the glow plugs they ok. my neighbour (mechanic) says its probably the heater relay? anybody else experienced this before i go and purchase one? :nenau

 

[jims-terrano]

Check the downloads section within Quick Links as there is a download about the glow plugs. Also do you have power going to the glow plugs? if yes then probably not the relay. My relay is located on the drivers side inner wing at the side of the battery.
I had a starting issue before Christmas and it turned out to be the starter, they seem to need a really fast turn over to start.
What about air in the fuel system? have you had filter changed recently?

Jim T

 

[Spook]

Thanks
Had plugs out they fine, not touched fuel system. she seems to spin over fine. going to check the relay contacts later - loose connection/corroded?

 

[vatco]

You could try kicking it.
It may not help the car start but it will make you feel better.
I find a few choice words often help as well

Last night a 4track we use as a yard tractor wouldn't start

I kicked it - Hard

My M8 said I needed to go away and kewl offt so I wondered off mutering profanities under my breath and hey presto 5 mins later I went back and it started :clap

:augie
Sorry guys couldn't resist that - it's me age you know :lol:lol
Good advice from Jim T Though :thumbs

 

[zippy656]

um check batery conection and earh straps. the engin can turn but not enought to start.

 

[Spook]

took batt off to charge today, so set about cleaning contacts on the relays, whilst i had the 2 black relays off i took of the relay that sits behind (grey colour said 'dim/dip' on it) took off connectors quick clean with contact cleaner only when putting back on one of the wires broke:doh. no idea what the relay controls. put it all back together and put batt back on. car started fine and all lights work:clap
BUT just been out and batt flat again - so it's back on charge overnight see if that improves.
The question is what does the relay

Spook

 

[jims-terrano]

I'm thinking starter motor. You mentioned that the battery is flat? are you sure? mine was exactly the same and others had same problem too.

Jim T

 

[Spook]

been through the on-line workshop manual and looks like the relay is something to do with the glow plug circuit - any one know what will happen if wire not repaired? the wire has come out of the connector block so might be troublesome to fix and may then break more wires. don't want to use car until know.
she started ok (when batt still had charge) is the relay to do with the on-going heating of plugs?

going to see how she does before replacing starter, if still probs then that's the next course of action

Spook

 

[Spook]

Got the terminal out of the connector block - only the end bit left rest totally corroded away!
got some replacements coming from previous job (used to work for Scorpion / Electro systems makers of various auto cable harnesses and alarms!)
Fingers crossed noe it all works and its not the starter - Milners £125for a new one. will have spent more on her in the last month than she cost!
i've had absolutley no probs with her since getting her last june, brillant during bad weather - put 12 months mot on and what happens..........

 

[zippy656]

put 12 months mot on and what happens..........

you join a site like ours and have a great time chatting and getting all the help you need :clap:clap:lol:lol

 

[Terranosaurus]

i took of the relay that sits behind (grey colour said 'dim/dip' on it)

Sounds like that might be the dim dip relay then - if thats not working then tbh its no great loss, stupid system anyway and now got rid of again I believe. So long as you still have side lights, dip and main beam you're still legal.

Dim dip is the system whereby dip beam is lit at 1/2 brightness (well using 6v) when the engine is runnig and sidelights are on, when you put dip on properly this is over ridden. Its so side lights are for parking with and then you drive on dim dip.


Sounds like your battery is going flat have you checked your alternator is charging properly (output = 13.8-14.2v) and also that your battery is in good condition and will take a proper charge (a drop test is a start, but there are beter tests these days).

 

[Spook]

Thanks terranosaurus, all the lights were working. i think i flattened batt trying to start it the other day when prob first came about and not fully charged it inbetween messing. had it on charge over night so going to put it back on later and fingers crossed

Spook

 

[Spook]

looks like its the starter (i know should listen:augie) - replaced batt (£80), cleaned all relays, fixed broken wires, worse than ever! but it will jump start and bump start. once she's been running will even start on the key!

so todays job clean all contacts on starter, and then if still same replace starter - how can you tell if its a bosch or lucas? are they interchangable? some look like they have a bell housing some don't?

any advise or pitfalls to watch for when changing starter?

Thanks

Spook

 

[clivvy]

I think two versions available, both fit. As an example I had the one with thebell housing, changed for the other, perfect. As for changing it's awkward, but jack it up, take arch lining out to getto bolts and up through engine bay!

 

[jims-terrano]

The starters usually have the brand on a sticker on the side of it.

Jim T