Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 4/4 Sport starting only on 2nd attempt

For a couple of days now I have a strange behaviour of my 4/4 Sport.

When starting the car I turn the ignition key and the lights go on as usual. So far so good.... but then there's nothing else, the car won't start when turning the key further. Zero reaction.

Turn the ignition off and on again and it starts completely normal.

This happens only when the car was left alone for a while, i.e. over night. After this 'wake-up phase' it starts always on the first attempt until you let it again sit for some time...

I am very familiar with all the 'usual suspects' like an old battery or a stuck starter. But this seems to be something electric/electronic (ignition switch, immobiliser...).

Did somebody experience similar problems?

Wolfgang

Does the engine turnover on the starter motor and then not fire or not even turning over on the starter motor at the first attempt?

Having the same thing on my 4/4. I swapped the keys over. Hasn’t occurred since, so possibly a key immobiliser issue.

@ Bob, it just does nothing when turning the key further than turning on the ignition.

No klicking, no turning of starter or engine, no fireing, no dimming of the control lights.

@ Icepack: good idea to swap keys

It could be that the battery is too old.

Harald

No, the battery is 2 months old and fully loaded.

With the second attempt of the ignition key the starter works with full speed.

Have you tried to detect error codes via OBD2? I'm not sure if the immobilizer is stored there, but it would be worth a try.

Ah, that's a good idea with OBD2... I'll try

Just a thought!
Does it make any difference if you allow all the check lights to go out, before starting?

If I read it right...
Key 1......Start attempt 1 no reaction.
start attempt 2...starts ok.
Key 2......Starts ok.

Try a new battery in Key 1.

If problem still occurs try OBD check.
Try Budsters delayed start as the ecu May need a longer boot up time.

I have had a starting problem on my car (+8 Rover) when key battery was failing. New battery sorted it. We carry the spare key if away on a long trip/run just in case.