Help cranks but won't start

Danny · Postby **Danny** » Mon Jul 20, 2020 2:19 pm

Twice now, during a drive so normal operating temperature, my engine cranks strongly but won't start. It then clutch starts very easily after only a few metres of travel.
I'm suspecting a relay that has to be on for starting and switches off once running. (Had that problem in a previous car.) The car, an SE, has an Adaptronic piggy back so OBD2 is inoperative.

Anyone experienced that or know if there's such a relay, or other fix?

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Jul 21, 2020 4:12 pm

All MSM/SE manuals, including troubleshooting, but of course it could be Adaptronic piggyback related: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... 0xSNGVXMzA

CrazyRacer · Postby **CrazyRacer** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 8:58 am

Maybe check the ignition switch.

Could be the ignition circuits get power in the run position but not in the start position.

Danny · Postby **Danny** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:52 am

Thanks for those. I've been trying to replicate the issue on my driveway but hasn't recurred since the second time.

I do suspect the crank sensor and ignition switch. So far I've tampered with the throttle sensor and main relay. Don't see it as a fuel issue because it clutch starts so easily.

Red_Bullet · Postby **Red_Bullet** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:55 am

Get the battery checked, Low voltage when cranking can cause the ECU to not run.

Danny · Postby **Danny** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:32 am

Hasn't recurred for a while now. Fitted a new battery as well. Oh, the suspense every time I take it out...

CrazyRacer · Postby **CrazyRacer** » Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:28 pm

My brother has classic British cars and tells me that the anticipation of the inevitable breakdown is part of the excitement of taking them out for a drive.