Help Please - No Ignition

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:04 pm

Hey Guys,

Pleeeease help...The saga started early this morning, when I pushed the car out the garage, & jumped in to warm the engine as usual, however this time the engine would not turn, I tried again, it turned this time but very slowly, sluggish like, every time after that there was just no turning the engine, it was like no power at all. Then the alarm started, I switched it off then it just kept going off, till I eventually turned it off.

I tried jumping off another car battery to no avail. I even put in a brand new battery, but still nothing. Has anyone come across this before, or have any idea what it might be and how to fix it..? I really want to get the car running as soon as poss...

Just to add insult to injury, the engine bay catch has stuck, & I can't close it, I have used WD40 & left to soak, but the pull lever at the drivers door is stuck out, & won't push back.

I am so pissd off, I never got to the garage this morning to get the brake pads fitted, and even missed knockhill this afternoon, Aaaarghh!!

Any help much appreciated,
Pete

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:56 pm

imobiliser ?

jj · Post by jj » Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:07 pm

To release the bootlid, pull back the wheelarch lining above the rear wheel, reach in and pull the cable. My old s1 used to do that a lot.

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:53 pm

Hi BiggestNizzy, I thought it might be the imobiliser too, I tried using the imobiliser touch key while turning the ignition to bypass imobiliser, but to no avail...Although I am not ruling this out, as the alarm was constantly sounding as well until I turned off with the key...This has me totally baffled, I think it may be electrical, earthing or something...not sure..?

Hi JJ, thanks for the tip...problem I have is the egine lid is stuck open, not shut, it's the wee pull lever in the drivers door that is stuck out, usually I can push this back, but feels stuck solid today....

Thanks guys, please keep the Ideas coming,
Pete

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:36 pm

my immobiliser plays funny beggers because the car is sitting and not getting used I have to keep topping up the battery. do you have power elsewhere ? and does the alarm light flash ?

electric are not my thing I'm afraid as for the boot leave it open i did for a couple of months

while I was developing my own electric boot opener

tut · Post by **tut** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:50 pm

As a temporary measure for your boot, unscrew the striker assembly/spring from the boot lid, which will then enable it it to sit flush and you can open it with your fingers under the boot side.

tut

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:53 pm

Hi BiggestNizzy, Yup power to lights, & everything except ignition...I am going to try rocking the car in gear to see if the starter motor is sticking, but still think this may be electrical...Wish I knew more about Elises...

Please keep the ideas coming guys,
Pete

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:59 pm

Thanks Tut, Appreciate the tip, might try that, bit worried the lid will blow up tho..And does it keep the sensor switch off..?

Any help much appreciated,
Pete

offshorematt · Post by **offshorematt** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 1:29 am

Pedro wrote:Thanks Tut, Appreciate the tip, might try that, bit worried the lid will blow up tho..And does it keep the sensor switch off..?

No problem - drove my last S1 for three months without the striker in place (lost the flat bit in a boot full of cr4p

) Even on a run to Southampton and back at motor way speeds there was no lifting (and I was watching it like a hawk the whole time).
Could always duck tape it short term if you're still worried...

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:57 am

Check all the earth straps, especially the one direct to the battery.

If the alarm is sounding that means that it's not getting enough electric, I would imagine that if you put the lights on then try and crank the lights will dim to nothing.

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 9:25 am

Thanks Matt, I'll probabaly use a bit o duck tape, just to be sure for the sensor.

Thanks Richard, it's a new battery I put in yesterday, Blue Varta, with loads of juice. All connections were fixed back to the battery. Where else might I find an earthing..?

I really appreciate the help guys, if I can get my car going today, I'll be doing back flips in the garage

and buy you guys a few beers

Cheers,
Pete

robin · Post by **robin** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:45 am

Your battery is flat would be my guess. The alarm is tripped because it sees loss of battery voltage and thinks someone is trying to steal the car.

Suggest you get some decent jump leads and/or charge the battery before worrying about any other possible causes.

It's been very cold over the last few days and any marginal battery will finally die ...

Cheers,
Robin

offshorematt · Post by **offshorematt** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:07 am

Pedro wrote:Thanks Matt, I'll probabaly use a bit o duck tape, just to be sure for the sensor.

Just had a thought - my old S1 had the aluminium engine cover so it probably weighed a little more than the newer plastic one. Maybe on reflection duck tape wouldn't be a bad idea

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:21 am

Thanks Guys,

This is where I am now - new battery with plenty juice, but no ignition & alarm keeps going. I am totally stumped

Any ideas greatly appreciated,
Pete

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:22 am

i wedged some plastic in mine to stop it closing,I didn't strip out the mechinism (didn't want to loose it)but had removed the cable .

it will be fine and it was a glass fiber number.