K series, problem starting (air bleed valve maybe iffy?)

[triodeted]

Hi All,

 

I have a problem with reliable starting, goes like this:

 

Turn key to start, nothing happens, no clicks, ign light doesn't dim

 

two or three attempts, then engine turns over, run,s for 1 second then stops (as no fuel).

 

Immobilised, then re mobilised, just to make sure.

 

Put car on rapid charge to make sure battery OK, was a bit low.

 

Switch ign on and can hear the air bleed valve, I think that's what it's called (ABV) continually clattering. (same as it does for a few seconds normally).

 

After a few attempts, ( clattering may have stopped) car started fine, once hot switched off for a while then re started OK. Then re started after a few hours, all seemed OK.

 

Next day, reliably turns over, starts for 1 second, then stops (air bleed valve clattering continuously, unplugged, ABV sprayed connector with contact cleaner, plugged and unplugged a few times, then got the usual whistle of the internal stepper motor. Car then started normally.

 

Now not sure if I have found the problem, so now anxious, the car won't start again.

 

Sorry for the long post, but has anyone any ideas, any assistance much appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

 

[revilla]

These sound like common problems caused by a failing battery. You say it was "a bit low". I know it sounds odd, you would expect the engine to crank over slowly but the voltage drop caused by the load of the starter upsets the electronics before you notice a lack of cranking performance. Is it an EU3 (coil packs on top of plugs) or an EU2 engine? I know that on the EU3 engine for sure, the drop in voltage caused by the starter on a weak battery is sensed by the ECU as though you powered off... which triggers it to reset the IACV (ABV) ready for the next start, which results in it cutting out just after starting unless you give it a bit of throttle. The failure to crank at all could be one of a number of other issues with the solenoid, relays or wiring but given a suspect battery I would look at that first as it may explain everything.

[triodeted]

Hi,

Thank you very much for the response.

Just to let you know, this morning (nice and cold) I tried the resetting of the IAVC / TPS with the 5 throttle presses etc. The noises the IAVC made sounded normal, waited a few seconds and the car started instantly. Also made sure batt fully charged. Must have been a low voltage problem.

Cheers Pip

[Jonathan Kay]

If it seems to be OK now I suggest measuring the battery voltage at rest, 3,000 rpm and minimum during cranking. Those figures could be useful for comparison if you have problems in the future.

Jonathan