N16 New here with starting problem.

T

Teroc

Hello everyone,

I've had a problem on my N16 for a while now (6 months). I've been looking on internet for the similar issues, but I can't find a fix.

Basically the problem is this: sometimes the car doesn't start. It starts cranking, but almost as soon as I turn the key, the immobilizer (or something else) kicks in, stops the cranking, locks and unlocks the door. All further attempts to start end up doing the same.

The only fix I've found on the internet was to buy a powerpack and use it to start. So when I plug it it, it starts perfectly fine. I've checked the battery voltage at rest, it's 12.9V.
It's getting quite bad and I need to use the power pack almost every time I start the car now.

What do you think could be the problem?

Thanks for your help.
 
Welcome along.

Have you checked for any parasitic drains? And is your alternator putting out enough power?

It sounds to me one of either 2 issues.

1. Either a faulty battery unable to hold and deliver the needed current.

Or

2. Your starter motor is at fault and needs replacing.

Hope you find the right fix soon.

Mike


...Phone...
 
I'll have a look at the alternator. It seems like when I drive for a long time, the next few starts are ok, maybe the battery is being charged more.

I'll try to disconnect my battery and start from a friend's car with the jump cables to see if the problem still happens. It's just that in the other posts with the same problem I've found on the internet, people always change the battery and it ends up not being the problem.
 
No need to remove the battery. Just get a multimeter and see if it's getting 14ish volts.

I had had a similar issue on a Peugeot just the other day. Checked for a drain, alternator was a bit funky dropping voltage sporadically, cleaned up all the negative connections still no result.

Ended up being the battery at fault. It would hold charge but couldn't maintain the needed current to start the car. Even though the green condition light on it was showing Ok. (Not that I trust them)

...Phone...
 
Alright, so I had a try. When started, the voltage is steady at 14.4V.

I tried starting and when it fails, the voltage drops below 6V. Then I tried to start with jump cables, it started ok and the voltage only dropped to ~8V.

Do you think that's still the battery? Since it starts ok with power pack (even when it's empty) and jump cables, I guess it's somewhere around there that there is a problem. Can it be the ground connection? I had a look and it seems to be ok, so I don't know...

I guess I'll go to halfords at lunch time to pick up a new battery.
 
Definately sounds like the battery not being able to supply enough cranking amps, even if the voltage is correct the amps could be way down.
 
Alright. I changed the battery and it seems to work ok now. The old one must have been getting dead-er every day...

Thanks a lot for your help! Wonderful community you have around there.
 
If this happens again you might want to check the ignition ring and it's loom. Known for being too short and pulling, sometimes there's a lose connection, hence the immobiliser kicking in.
 
Thanks edk. I'll keep this in mind. At least I can go pass my MOT next week without the fear of the car not starting at the garage... for now...
 
Also check condition of the earth strap from battery to chassis then to engine block as if that is on its way or frayed it could cause starting issues also.


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Mad Maru said:
Also check condition of the earth strap from battery to chassis then to engine block as if that is on its way or frayed it could cause starting issues also.


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Click to expand...
Not in the way he has described though. This is very specific problem and not just general engine wont start. But yes, always worth checking that earth strap as it's a common problem. I doubt it's causing an issue right now though.
 
I had both issues at same time hence worth checking both as you said as I was at wits end after having sorted one then the other being the issue also.


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