Starting Problem
Turbo Mini Forums

Following on from my fuel pump issue (http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=442726, now resolved I think), I have an unrelated(?) Starting problem.

I have no power to the dashboard or apparently anything else when the ignition is turned on. I'm getting 12v at the ignition although this drops to 0.5v when the ignition is on.

I've bypassed the the ignition and still no joy. I've checked all the fuses which are fine. From what research I've done, I'm running out of options and today suspecting a starter solenoid (long shot) as i've tried bypassing this and pressing the switch with still nothing, despite having 12v at the positive terminal. I've checked all my fuel pump wiring which is fine.

Ordering one from minispares tonight... Gonna miss the Castle Coombe though, which is gutting.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Experience would suggest with similar/related/recent problems, perhaps a previous owner was an enthusiastic tinkerer. I'm almost at the point where I would recommend fire hazard tape and step away from the car!

I'd be taking a real good look, including unwrapping everything you can get to, front to back, on a ramp with a light.

If the voltage drops from 12 to 0.5 when you turn something on, assuming the battery is actually OK and charged, it's a poor connection (ie, high resistance) somewhere on the high current cables.

Usually at the battery terminals or quite often, the earth cable (from the battery) to the floor of the boot. If it's only occuring at the starter motor, also check the earth strap between the shell and the engine (could be in a number of places depending on the year of build, how much it's been modified).

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Sorted! Dodgy earth....

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970