Weird starter button process

[Matt230]

Hi all

Recently acquired Caterham:. 1.8 k series; Emerald; Forged Pistons; Roller Barrels etc. I've just had it rolling on a rolling road and its producing a healthy and safe 193bhp which i'm very pleased with..

However what I cant understand is how it starts It has push button starter but unlike my previous Caterham when you turn the key, starter spins and car starts (no button starter), this one seems to want you to quickly press the button eg press it for a very short time whereupon it may or may not catch / start.. Leaving your finger on the starter button seems to clunk the solenoid or the starter catches. Is this a normal thing with the starter button or is there something strange because of the Emerald? There is what I believe to be an immobiliser light on the dash and a little keyfob type immobiliser (one you normally rest against a sensor but not sure what that would be) and the car does start so its unlikely to be immobiliser related

Might be something simple, but it seems really odd

Matt

Edited by Matt230 on Sunday 21st October 18:17

[Turn7]

Not the Blue SV from Silverstone ish ? Good car if so.....

They do have an immobiliser, and mine will start if you turn the key or hit the button.

[Trackdayguy]

I would suggest talking to an auto electrician, sounds like a power surge to me, but I've been wrong before.

[anonymous-user]

Probably irrelevant because I’m sure your car won’t have the same dash/wiring as mine but my start sequence is:

Press the start button and release. This brings he gauges into life and the fuel pump.

Wait a second or two until the immobiliser light goes out.

Press and hold the button again which starts the car.

I have no key other than the fuel filler cap.

[V7SLR]

REALIST123 said:

Probably irrelevant because I’m sure your car won’t have the same dash/wiring as mine but my start sequence is:

Press the start button and release. This brings he gauges into life and the fuel pump.

Wait a second or two until the immobiliser light goes out.

Press and hold the button again which starts the car.

I have no key other than the fuel filler cap.

That sounds like you have a "CatStart" fitted.

[anonymous-user]

V7SLR said:

REALIST123 said:

Probably irrelevant because I’m sure your car won’t have the same dash/wiring as mine but my start sequence is:

Press the start button and release. This brings the gauges into life and the fuel pump.

Wait a second or two until the immobiliser light goes out.

Press and hold the button again which starts the car.

I have no key other than the fuel filler cap.

That sounds like you have a "CatStart" fitted.

It's just the standard R500/400 dash.

[sllimr]

Mine is the same as REALIST123... easy once you get used to it but different to previous 7s.

[anonymous-user]

sllimr said:

Mine is the same as REALIST123... easy once you get used to it but different to previous 7s.

Yes, it was the standard dash for the R300/400/500D. Subtle changes to things like the indicator switches, I believe.

I like it; as said once you’re used to the system it works well.

[HustleRussell]

OP this sounds like a battery or starter motor problem rather than anything else. When you press and hold the button the starter motor should churn the engine over until you release the button (within reason).

A bad solenoid will draw excessive current which will cause the battery to struggle.

Also the current colder weather will show up a weak battery.