Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Problem with key

Just to ask a question.

I have a plus 4 when I turn the key to start it some times nothing happens and then turn it again and it fires up.

Not sure if this is normal or not.

Thanks for any info

Ian

Do you leave a few seconds for everything to switch on before firing up the starter motor?
I get in the car, turn the key for the electrics then fasten the seatbelt & check mirrors before starting the engine. It works for me.

Yes I can confirm mine does that on occasions. I do normally wait a bit as Phil said so not sure if it happens when I get inpatient and don’t wait.

I have had 2 +4’s with an immobiliser (both 2008 cars) and this was a regular issue. Someone mentioned to use the model ignition on, wait for all the whirring and clicking to stop as the car sets itself, by then the codes will be exchanged with the key transponder and the car will start.

Never had it happen again after I gave it the few seconds time to ‘set up’.

My current 2012 4/4 is the same.

BR
Colin

Another possibility could be the battery in the key. I think there are also posts from a while back about the sensors in the key and ignition failing to “speak” to each other. People have posted about the problem in the past.

There are no batteries in the key but there is a chip which should be detected by a transponder in the ignition switch. Sometimes it fails to work and sometimes the tiny chip falls out of the hole in the key. So best to always carry a spare key otherwise (usually in the French Alps in my experience) one can be stranded. A good key cutter these days can copy the chip and make a spare key with the correct chip in it.

IIRC there is a thread on here about the detector for the transponder chip being known to move.


Edit - found it:

DaveW Woskshop Note on Transponder Issue

Yes, I think Dave W is the expert on curing this