First time in my life I had to be towed away with a break down. (had 5 Range Rovers) 300 km from home parked the car at the hotel, next morning, key in contact, dash reacted normal, turned the key, nothing happened. Breakdown service couldn't find a problem. Car off to towing station and we heading home in a rentalcar.
3 days later garage phoned and had no clue, car still "dead". Had it moved to an "electrics specialist" near my home in Perigueux, now 6 weeks later (yes I live in France where they eat snails) still no progress. They can't find anything.

I did a hard reset,
checked the (nearly new) battery,
changed key
GAP gives no faults

they took out the electronic unit on the starter that prevents the car being started (alarm) send it away for a check up, nothing wrong.
they can't find anything on their diagnostic programs (four different ones)
Today they phoned me and told me they feared that there was nothing they can do...

any amongst you with a bright idea or same experience???
Any help will be largely appreciated

Last edited by Robert on 17th Apr 2024 2:56pm. Edited 1 time in total

ignition barrel? ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Hi Robert,

This happened to me and after weeks of head scratching I put a live onto the starter motor when the ignition lights were on and it started as normal.

I ended up wiring a press to start switch into the car which is still being used today. However, I should’ve tried Stan’s suggestion of trying a new ignition barrel.

Hope this information helps?

Regards

John

I think you've got to go back to basics and agree with the comments above. Fundamentally, regardless of the electronic complexity, the starter needs 12V to turn it over, if that isn't happening, there's not many things prior to that which control the 12V being presented that aren't CPU controlled, the ignition and immobiliser being two of the most significant, but also, bad earth, poor +ve connection, etc. will have same impact and won't show as a fault regardless of what fault reader you use.

I'd get a simple multimeter and check the basics working back from the starter motor. If it's not a recorded fault, a CPU isn't 'seeing' an error in the data it's receiving and if that's the case, for me it points to 'simple' hardware failure (i.e. non CPU linked) or poor connection.

Don't forget the starter motor pulls big power when you crank and a loose connection might look OK but be insufficient to crank.

Hope that helps and good luck

Thanks guys, first thing tomorrow, call the Frenchies....


and I did tell them to use a live cable directly to the starter, it worked...so nothing electronic, turned out to be the mass cable from the engine to the bodywork. So basic work for a mechanic, but hey who can nowadays set a carb without a computer...?

Funny thing, I told them from the beginning look at the mass cables....."non c'est impossible, monsieur"...

So I can pick her op tomorrow

Thanks for the tip guys!!!

and yes, I did tell them to use a live cable directly to the starter, it worked...

They called me this morning that the car was repaired. When I asked what was wrong, they told me (sotto voce) that it turned out to be the mass cable from the engine to the bodywork.
So basic work for a mechanic, but hey, who can nowadays set a carb without a computer...?

Funny thing, I told them from the beginning look at the mass cables....."non c'est impossible, monsieur"... Mr. Green

So I can pick her op tomorrow Thumbs Up

Thanks for the tip guys!!!

what is a "mass cable" ?

do you mean an earth/ground strap to the alternator was missing and needed to be fixed on ( or tightened up in order to operate correctly ) ??

Last edited by pcourtney on 18th Apr 2024 9:17am. Edited 1 time in total

I suspect mass meaning major, being the main earth strap.

The French refer to 12V negative as 'masse', if I remember correctly.

So yes... negative cable was the issue. 2012 (L322) 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE, RSE, Fuji White over Arabica.
Previous V8s: BMW 645Ci, P38 4.6, P38 4.0, Merc CL500
Previous others: Honda x1, Volvo x7, Rover x6, BMW x6, Ford x1, Mercedes x2, Skoda x3, VW x2, Renault x2, Citroen x1, Mazda x3, Nissan x1, Audi x3, Kia x1, Fiat x4, Subaru x3, Austin x2, Triumph x2, Jeep x2, Hyundai x2, Lexus x1, Mitsubishi x1, Saab x2... and some others I've forgotten!

Yes earth strap.
 John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

yep, I get messed up sometimes. Ground is "terre" in French that's what you use for a cable that connects the electricity in your house to the ground, "masse" is the connection between car body/chassis and F.E. the starter or alternator etc.

Speaking 3 languages everyday makes me a dummy, a Dutchman in France.

But I'm glad you are all there to correct me Thanks!

have a great day

Robert