Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - !***@#! wont start!!

Any thoughts on this -

2003 Plus 8 (Rover 4lt V8) - Won't start - on turning key instrument lights go out but just a "click". The battery is fine, almost new and fully charged having been on a battery charger/conditioner. Immobiliser seems to deactivate on pressing the key fob button (red flashing light on the dash goes out with an audible click) and fob battery changed. Tried a different key - same problem. Tried a jump starter but that wouldn't work as the battery is fully charged.

All this was after a 100+ mile round trip with various stops and no problems over the previous few days.

Suspecting that the immobiliser is not actually deactivating (even though the warning light goes out), or maybe a connection problem to the starter motor.

Any of the assembled experience here got any ideas? - can the immobiliser be deactivated or bypassed to see if that is the issue?

Ken

Just read your post again Ken and instrument lights going out (maybe just dimming?) indicates not enough voltage to them with jump leads making no difference. Suggest therefore checking battery leads and connections, particularly the earth strap from chassis to engine block as the effect of any resistance in the leads will be greatly increased by the high current demand from starter, reducing volts to same and elsewhere, similar to DaveW's experience above.

Sorry to drag you all away from this magical subject drift from starter solenoids to Tommy Cooper one liners!!
The problem turned out to be a melted connector block for the exciter wire behind the dashboard coupled with a problem with the relay mount. All fixed and ready for pick up! Happy again!
Thanks for all the input!

Ken