Start Immobiliser Fuse has blown a few times !!!

[Stevie]

The 20 Amp Start Immobiliser fuse has blown a couple of times on my S2 Rover Engine Elise. The car sometimes doesn't turn over on 1st turn of the key, but starts on the 2nd okay.

I only occasionally use the car, so frequently disconnect the battery to stop it draining.

Any suggestions PLEASE ??

[robin]

My guess is you have an issue with the starter motor. The current for the solenoid (that causes the main motor to engage) flows through the start immobiliser fuse. You say the starter doesn't always turn and the fuse blows sometimes. I would say those two things are directly related. You might be looking at a new starter motor in the near future. Of keep changing the fuse

Cheers,
Robin

[tut]

Use a nail instead of the fuse.



tut

[robin]

Don't do that, obviously. The wiring will only handle a certain current and if you bypass the fuse you'll simply set fire to the loom, eventually.

Cheers,
Robin

[Stevie]

Thats what i suspected Robin. Thought the starter may be sticking with lack of use. The car can lie for months without getting used.

[Stevie]

Any idea how much for a new one or have you ever tried repairing ???

[tut]

Stevie, that was tongue in cheek of course, always take Robin's advice.

tut

ps:- except on best steak restaurants...........

[Stevie]

Spent my Saturday morning playing with car. Tried to start several times, but just a click from solenoid, I suspect. Eventually fuse blew again. Removed ignition feed from solenoid and start turning key several times - obviously engine won't start, but fuse held okay. Then I put spade connector on long piece of wire and connected to solenoid, intead of ignition feed. Connected clamp meter round clamp and touched to battery terminal (with ignition on and immobiliser off). Car started 1st time. Tried a few times and fault appeared. Solenoid appeared to try but started didn't engage - current reading 29 amps. Tried again and started okay. Kept doing this again and again. Fault never reappeared, so reconnected as normal. Tried a dozen times and all okay. Suspect solenoid has been a bit sticky with car lying so long. Will see how it goes, Thanks for advice guys - do you think its now safe to remove nail

[robin]

Good work! Yes, now would be good time to remove nail but carry box of fuses

[tut]

tut strikes again...............

tut

[Stevie]

Just to following up on this problem, as someone may back track through old posts in hope of answers. This problem came back recently, with just the click of the solenoid then the fuse finally blowing. Stripped out starter, cleaned and lubricated, although it looked spotless. Refitted but still the same. Bought new starter and fault has been fine for weeks. Don't ask me what the hell is happening with the old one, as I could see no obvious problem. But do carry a spare nail just in case