Starting Issues - help!

[X1ons]

Good morning everyone

This last few days I've has issues starting my 4200. When I get in and turn the key the engine turns over and sounds great - it just won't fire up!

In order to get it started I've had to turn the power off next to the battery, lock and then unlock re car and then try again. Eventually the car after many turn overs fires up - but not with the normal guster.

Last night when leaving work I turned the fans off and waited for all the lights to go off on the dash (only the engine light remained on). It seemed to then fire up.

So the battery is fine but what can the issue be? It's a very nervy experience getting in to a car that you don't know whether it will fire up or not!

Thanks for your help

Mark

 

[conaero]

Hi Mark I have seen this a few times on 3200's and it comes back to the immobiliser. If it does it again, simply remove the key from the ignition, lock then unlock then try again. Also if you have another key use that and see of it stops. Probably a weak key battery or the cold weather playing havoc with your electrics.

 

[philw696]

Check the voltage in the battery with a multi meter with ignition off then see what it drops to with ignition on then again when cranking if it goes below 10 volts no chance.
Then once running see what you get chargeing as you need at least 14 volts.
Phil.

 

[Emtee]

Does sound like the immobiliser. Are you getting the key code warning light in the dash? If yes, then the car will turn over, but won't fire up. See how you get on swapping to the spare key.

 

[conaero]

Indeed miles, its just a red light on the 3200 from memory and easy to miss as its not in the main cluster with the CEL light.

 

[NickP]

You have rusty memory, must be all those drinks at Xmas?! The Key / code light is the furthest right on the warning lights above the speedo etc. Its in the same cluster as the CEL.

 

[conaero]

Its been 3 or more years since I sat in a 3200, I think I was thinking of the Alarm trip light.

 

[Maser Sod]

Its been 3 or more years since I sat in a 3200, I think I was thinking of the Alarm trip light.

I used to get so many lights in mine, I couldn't tell you which is which.

Although I'll bet it's the same as they yellow one that used to come on in the Alfa when it rained.

 

[Parisien]

Its been 3 or more years since I sat in a 3200, I think I was thinking of the Alarm trip light.

Thats shameful Matt...how could you admit that on the forum 3 yrs..............................3years!!!!???


After buying your glorious GTS...next time you get a chance........do sit in a 3200 and feel the love again....................feel the buzz..............................you'll find you still have feelings for your first love.....


P

 

[NickP]

Thats shameful Matt...how could you admit that on the forum 3 yrs..............................3years!!!!???


After buying your glorious GTS...next time you get a chance........do sit in a 3200 and feel the love again....................feel the buzz..............................you'll find you still have feelings for your first love.....


P

Especially when it goes into limp mode!

 

[Zombie]

To check whether its the immobiliser or the battery, did anyone try a bump start (e.g. rolling down a hill) or a jump start i.e. another battery the boot connected in parallel?

 

[conaero]

Especially when it goes into limp mode!

Happy days!!!!

 

[Maser Sod]

To check whether its the immobiliser or the battery, did anyone try a bump start (e.g. rolling down a hill) or a jump start i.e. another battery the boot connected in parallel?

Maser's shouldn't be jump started. I can't tell you precisely why, but the manual says don't do it.

 

[chippiepilot]

I was led to understand you might upset some of the electricals if it was jump started

 

[dem maser]

I had a jump starter pack on mine after missing out on the doo....nothing wrong.....maybe a car to car jump start is worse....

 

[lozcb]

I was led to understand you might upset some of the electricals if it was jump started

The reason that is quoted professionally is to cover there assses if something goes pete tong , its all about preventing power surges as its these that cause the damage , if your jump starter Dem has a power surge preventer then your fine , all the AA /RAC guys have surge preventers on their jump starters


regards loz

 

[X1ons]

Morning all

Well after 2 months of starting first time with no issues, it's happened again! This time I'm parked at a petrol station and I'm at the back - it also very busy! The unthinkable happened -it wouldnt start! I reset the battery 3 times, locked and unlocked the car. Eventually after about 15 minutes it very slowly fired up. The battery must be fine as its turning over very fast, it just won't fire. When it eventually did fire up, I had to hammer the throttle to ensure it turned over properly.

Its cold today but yesterday it was minus 7 and still fired up no trouble.

The one thing I did notice when I first started her today was that it sounded like the fan in the engine was humming away loudly - strange but away I went for a 2 mile drive to football. After my sons football session I got back in and it again fired up ok. I then drove 2 miles to fill her up. This is when the issue/embarrassment happened!

I need to sort this out - do you think:

1. Take her to an electrical specialist to trace issue. I'm confident it's not the battery.

2. And/or get a new key battery. If so where from??

3. Take her to an idie garage for diagnostic?

As always, I very much appreciate your sage words of Massa wisdom!

Mark

 

[Parisien]

Indie diagnostic...but no lights on etc....?

Was fuel low, petrol cap securely fitted after filling?

When she did start, ran evenly...no hesititancy?


Buy the CR 1220 3Vs off ebay....

P

 

[X1ons]

No warning lights at all - the normal dash lights came on when I put key in, I waited, they went out and then it wouldn't start.

Fuel was low when I pulled up but when I left - half full. Fuel cap secure and flap shut.

When she first fired up it was a very sluggish role over - I flawed the throttle and she roared to life. When I drive home she sounded great, ticking over nicely.

Would the fan running at start up be a cause? Not used to hearing that.

 

[Parisien]

Youve checked all battery connections, earth too?

Not a fan resistor gone?

Checked the various hoses for air leakage ?

P