LATE S1 ELISE ONLY STARTS WITH PUSH!

[FARGO1968]

LATE S1 ELISE ONLY STARTS WITH BUMP/PUSH ~ TRIED EVERYTHING!!

My 2001 S1 Elise is refusing to start, not turning over or even clicking.

It will however fire up first time with a push.

1. Checked battery ~ all good.

1. Tried jump start ~ nothing.

1. Checked all fuses including the 3 under wiper motor.

1. Fitted Immobiliser Bypass.

1. Tried various on / off routines on the alarm remote. Alarm works & switches off.

Still feel it's an Immobiliser problem somewhere .... All suggestions Welcome ?

[MissChief]

Random thoughts, crank position sensor?

[thegreenhell]

Does it run normally once bump started? I don't think it's related to alarm/immobiliser if you can easily bump start the car. That would be very weak theft protection.

It sounds like the starter motor or starter solenoid is faulty. Try tapping the starter solenoid with a hammer to see if it will free up if it's just stuck. If that doesn't work then check the wiring onto the starter.

[FARGO1968]

It runs beautifully once bump started.
Soo frustrating.
Also tried rocking it in gear before turning over but without success either.

[BertBert]

If it won't crank, your starter motor is buggered

[FARGO1968]

[Puzzles]

I was going to say surely the starter motor would be the first thought? Cheap and easy to replace too.

[fridaypassion]

MFRU

[MrOrange]

IIRC a broom handle located on the top of the starter motor accompanied by a light tap would wake up the starter motor when it occasionally fell asleep. It was the same broom handle I used to keep the boot lid open … oh how I miss those foibles. Not.

Failing that, dodgy earth strap. The S1 was really quite “classic car” in its build/issues.

[FARGO1968]

Many thanks. Have given the starter a good rattle but no response.

The battery was removed last week and I am beginning to suspect that a connection was broken somewhere during this process along with my knuckles ??

Are there any particular earths / connectors etc around the battery compartment area that may be usual offenders to look out for?

Edited by FARGO1968 on Monday 29th May 07:16

[fridaypassion]

https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/security-alarm-sys...

Its highly likely to be this

[Belle427]

You need to go back to basics and see what your missing by testing for voltage at the starter main terminal and also the solenoid terminal when cranking.
A test light is best for this.

[itcaptainslow]

Check/clean the spade connector on the earth to the starter motor. If the earth is poor, the starter won’t spin.

[FARGO1968]

Thanks. Will double check

[Equus]

If the starter isn't even clicking, it suggests that the solenoid either isn't working, or isn't getting current.

Test it by checking the voltage at the wiring connection to the solenoid when the ignition key is turned. If you have 12V there, test the starter motor off the car by running 12V to the solenoid (you should be able to hear/feel a loud click as it operates).

[FARGO1968]

Many thanks, will give it 1 last go today before getting the AA to take a look ;o(

[FARGO1968]

AA guy also reckons its the MFRU.
Got the old one removed from above but struggling to get enough grip / leverage to push the new one back on ~ any tips?

[fridaypassion]

Just jiggle it a bit doesn't need any real force to get it on its more alignment

[BertBert]

Probably too late now as it's likely to be the MFU unit, but over the years I have become a dab hand of starter testing... I have a handy fly lead that I attach to the starter solenoid (taking off the current connection) and touch the other end to the +ve of the battery. If you have +12v to the main starter feed, the starter should crank unless the starter is dodge. Helps to eliminate things.

[FARGO1968]

Maybe not too late Bert.
Fitted a new MFRU but still not starting.
The AA guy did also run a lead to the solenoid and the starter did indeed crank.
I am still convinced its an immobiliser / alarm type issue despite it starting with a push and running well!!