A few times recently when I've tried to start the car, it's launched into its starting routine for about half a second and then completely stops - silence.
Then, I think when I release the key, there's a strange scratchy-frazzly rattling noise from somewhere within the steering shroud for about a second - the car usually starts OK if I try again.
It happened this morning after the car had been sitting all night, and it also happened twice in succession last night when the car had been stopped for a couple of minutes afer covering about 7 miles, so doesn't seem to be related to whether the car has been sitting unused for a while (I use it every day anyway, although at this time of year, mainly 10 mile stop-start trips to work.)
Only other thing that might be related (i.e. they've both been happening since around the same time; the start of winter) is the car is idling 100-200 rpm too low on very cold mornings (actually OK on start-up, but after a couple of minutes settles too low) and keeps trying to die completely when I come to a halt at traffic lights. If I don't catch it with a blip of the revs, it will stall with clutch pedal fully depressed.
Usually switching off and restarting clears it.
Any thoughts on one or other?
Starting problems - strange noise
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steve_weegie
- Posts: 3249
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:40 am
- Location: Nessieland
Re: Starting problems - strange noise
1. The car's been within 20 feet of me recently. You're screwed!
2. Have you used a block sniffer test on it recently? If yes, it's probably objecting to your lack of faith in it
The strange scratchy-frazzly rattling noise from somewhere within the steering shroud, sounds like a buzzing relay or a dodgy connection on the ignition switch. The fact it cuts out while starting, coupled with the scratchy-frazzly rattling noise would suggest to me that the signal from the ignition switch to the Multi Function Relay Unit (MFRU / Engine Control Module) in the engine bay is getting messed up.
The idle problem could be caused by a couple of things, and i recon that its unrelated to the starting problem. Is the air filter clean? Temperature readout on the stac working ok? IAC Valve free of goo? If so, my guess would be the Manifold Air Temperature sensor was goosed, or "a bit dodgy" anyway.... Dont know if you can get the MAT reading from an OBD scanner, but I know a man that might know....
Cheers,
Steve
2. Have you used a block sniffer test on it recently? If yes, it's probably objecting to your lack of faith in it
The strange scratchy-frazzly rattling noise from somewhere within the steering shroud, sounds like a buzzing relay or a dodgy connection on the ignition switch. The fact it cuts out while starting, coupled with the scratchy-frazzly rattling noise would suggest to me that the signal from the ignition switch to the Multi Function Relay Unit (MFRU / Engine Control Module) in the engine bay is getting messed up.
The idle problem could be caused by a couple of things, and i recon that its unrelated to the starting problem. Is the air filter clean? Temperature readout on the stac working ok? IAC Valve free of goo? If so, my guess would be the Manifold Air Temperature sensor was goosed, or "a bit dodgy" anyway.... Dont know if you can get the MAT reading from an OBD scanner, but I know a man that might know....
Cheers,
Steve
Arriving broadside, in a cloud of smoke......