BX 16auto not keen to start

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 1:57 pm

I'm guessing this is an electrical issue

battery is fine, sometime no joy when I try to start ir, lights stay full on but get the click or nothing as I try to start it.

It was very intermittent but now is becoming more regular - and I don't want to be stranded.

So, is it likely to be a relay and if so which one (I have some spare XM relays and I may be able to replace it from 'stock'.

I've three road legal cars, all have issues currently so I need one reliable one just now.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:06 pm

Have you checked the battery output? my 19TZi auto was doing the same, I fitted a new heavy duty battery and its been fine since.

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:07 pm

Roverman wrote:Have you checked the battery output? my 19TZi auto was doing the same, I fitted a new heavy duty battery and its been fine since.

it was 12.7V first thing this morning then 13.6V when running!

I'll check again!

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:17 pm

I'd be checking all connections from battery to starter, this weather always shows up these faults.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:47 pm

messerschmitt owner wrote:
Roverman wrote:Have you checked the battery output? my 19TZi auto was doing the same, I fitted a new heavy duty battery and its been fine since.
it was 12.7V first thing this morning then 13.6V when running!

I'll check again!

That sounds fine then, must be a bad connection or possibly a failing starter motor? had a GTi ages ago that gradually got worse and worse.

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 3:04 pm

what I have found is the battery terminal connection to the +ve is cracked - and it is not tight - not so loose to 'cause' a problem, but then again, it maybe is. I'll attend to it later this week and see if that makes a difference.

The XM has busted its clutch cable (yesterday) and the smart has an as yet undiagnosed vibration which is sounding expensive so it would be good to have one reliable car.

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:11 pm

XM clutch cable, ouch

not the best job, not easy to get hold of one and expensive

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:25 pm

Ken

I know - I may have to go to the local scrappy to rescue the one from the XM estate there - if it hasn't been scrapped in the past fortnight

Campbell

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:38 pm

Not a bad idea, at least you'll know how they fit then.

Post by **Defender110** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:33 pm

messerschmitt owner wrote:what I have found is the battery terminal connection to the +ve is cracked - and it is not tight -

This is probably your problem but another one to look out for on auto's is the neutral inhibitor switch or connections.

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:05 pm

I think it is the problem - exacerbated by the battery being able to move - it's the first time I checked it since I got the car and tightened up the clamp and later this week will get a new terminal crimped onto the wires

I knew about the neutral inhibitor switch but haven't checked it (cos I don't know where it is!). Out with the Haynes manual for bedtime reading

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:14 pm

The diesel auto's have a relay under or near the air cleaner that always seems to give this problem. This isn't the inhibitor device, it stops it starting whatever

messerschmitt owner · Post by **messerschmitt owner** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:22 pm

ah, a couple of times when it hasn't wanted to go, I've had a puff of smoke from under the air filter box.