Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing P4 won't start

2nd that after my recent fun with starting problems, cleaned up and tightened the Solenoid connections and she's running perfectly now.

Ian

I hope I am not preaching to the converted but does he realise there are 2 earth cables. One is the standard battery to the chassis (at the back of the car) , the other is the engine to the frame or something metal bolted to the frame (in the engine bay)

I had similar a few years ago on a 4/4. I ran a long jump lead from the battery neg to the starter mounting bolt to bypass the existing earths. Car started ok so it showed a bad earth. I cleaned the straps ( battery to chassis and starter to chassis) and cured it.
A second possible problem could be a sticking solenoid. Newer cars have one on the motor body itself rather than remote. Tapping it carefully with a wooden rod can free it. You then either get it cleaned up to stop sticking ( also check the wiring) or carry a stick! I did this years ago for a couple of days until I could clean the solenoid/motor.

With mine I just ran the jumper from the engine to the cross head tie bar to show up the poor earth

John,Sospan, Andy, et al, Thank you for all your replies. So far this remains a mystery and its so frustrating when you have a friend that you can't help, especially when they are in a different country as well. You all remain a positive helpline and when we discover what this is all about I'll let you know. I remember well, when my own 89 P4 stopped working and a good three weeks went by before I had one of those light bulb moments and rechecked a relay. It was so simple. Perhaps this will turn out to be the same. Thank you all.

Does that era of Plus 4 have the immobiliser ring problem that some have encountered ?

I can't remember now whether it is a 05 or 07 car and my friend is out of contact at the moment. Last I heard he couldn't find the relays. Does anyone have a similar car and point me in the right direction?

Hi meabh,

My car's a 4/4 2006 build but I'm sure the p4 relays are in a similar position as mine......
....behind the dash, high up, just left of the steering column when looking forward. Use a mirror to see them. Unless slim wristed and mobile detach the dash to change.

Hope this helps.

Salmo and Mr W Thank you