Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing 2018 Plus4 GDI won‘t start

After a very great journey in his homeland with more than 2600KM we‘re at home. The MOG runs great, „no beat missing“…

Only one time, he doesn‘t like to go too slow ;-). But all fluids are as they should be, no parts lost. Only the fronthinge of the bonnets needs a screwdriver and a spanner.

But today I thought it‘s time to give him a good wash.

But that was my idea, not the „plywoodracers“ idea. He won‘t start.

With only 12.3V no problem, the engine turns. And also a smell of fuel. And it turns, and turns and turns… only sometimes a quiet hustle of a spark. So clear: No spark.

But why? Where I must look? The OBD reader shows nothing.

My wifes diagnostic: oh, so a great journey, so much Kilometers… but he wasn‘t out since 14days… (means: low voltage?)

Thank you for some ideas!

Greets René

Try a booster start 12.3v probably not enough to spin the engine and provide spark.

The battery is out for a refresh. Than have a new try.

Thank you!

Greets René

12.3v means buy a new battery

Thank you John!
But very bad news… they have a little short live? But the battery turns the engine nice and proper for a very long time.

And I also found this: https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/815366/6

So waiting for a refreshed battery and a new try with the second key.

Greets René

My GDI lasted 4 years on a battery that displayed 12.2v at best on the dash display. It would start down to below 11.9 volts IF you could get the imobiliser to unlock.

If it smells of fuel it's missing the spark or it's at the wrong time. Check the crank sensor and wiring.
Cheers
John.

Battery volts at 12.3 standing are a little low but entirely normal on a battery after a few years. My own car with 7 year old battery was down to similar value after a week or so without use and of course started fine.

I would thoroughly dry car/engine with hair dryer after wash, charge battery and try again after plugs have had time to dry out as well.
.

I had problems starting my GDI a few years ago. What I found may be useful - described in this thread:

https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/524307/re-gdi-not-starting#Post524307

Good luck

Dont think he made it clear whether it would not start before or after the wash?

Might seem strange but have you tried moving the key around the area surrounding the ignition lock ? There is a built in immobiliser that needs to “see” the key. If you have a leather covered steering cowl that can be enough to stop the key and immobiliser talking to each other.
First time it happened to me was in my one week old GDi. It had been absolutely fine until I drove onto the King Harry Ferry in Cornwall. Drove on fine, turned off the engine, wouldn’t start on the other side of the river and I couldn’t get off the ferry! Won’t forget that one……
Nothing ever showed up on the OBD reader, battery turned the engine over quickly and was new. Happened on a number of occasions after but once you know the trick it normally works. Not always first time though!
Have had the same issue with my current car once as well so not restricted to GDi cars. Some cars seem to be affected some aren’t. Might be fine for years and then it will happen again. One of the many fascinating idiosyncrasies of our cars.