The starter motor doesn't turn the engine over and there isnt any clicking at all?

Hmm perhaps immobiliser.

 

No sounds at all when the key is turned.

Is there a way of checking that the immobiliser is working correctly? Daft question sorry!

Mark

 

You should be able to deactivate the immobiliser manually using your key, the drivers door lock, the EKA code and the handbook which explains the procedure.

You will then at least know that it is or isnt the immobiliser

 

I would suspect either a faulty connection or the immobiliser.

When my immobiliser didn't work for a while in the 400, it bleeped at me when i turned to "crank" position 3. don't know if it applys to zs' though.

Worth trying the key in lock code thing as mentioned above!

 

This might be a too straightforward but do you need new batteries in your keyfob? When I first got my zed, mine were low and the car used to go to stage three, the immobiliser light would flash and then nothing. Certainly sounds like its something immobiliser related if the engine's not even attempting to turn over.

Good luck

Cath

 

No sound? this happened on my old 45, it could be a dodgy connection to starter motor, but id thik it'd be the immobiliser if it just stopped.

 

Actually yeah, check the connections to starter motor! and maybe clean/replace them, i've read on here before they can corrode and cause the same problem!

 

I have just tried the second keyfob and still the same. (battery power seems fine as it will unlock and lock the car from 20 feet away) The manual says that an immobilised engine will beep when the key is turned to the third position - mine is not doing this so I am assuming that the car security is working fine as I am not getting the red led blnking, etc.

I'll have to wait until daylight and check the starter connections - I would have thought that if these were detoriating then starting would have been troublesome for a while until the connection is broken though?

Mark

 

Check the starter and earth connections, especially the earth to the body and the engine block. If the immobiliser light is off, then that is not the problem.

Are there ant nasty speed bumps on the way into the supermarket?

 

Speed humps all over here!!!

I take it the starter motor is low in the engine bay and with my car being lowered probably made it more likely for impact? Don't remember hearing anything untoward on the journey.

If the earth to battery is knackered would the lights, blower, radio, etc still work though?

Mark

 

It will not be impact damage, just the jarring as the car goes over bumps might cause a problem. The earth wire in question is the thick one that goes from a bolt ont he clutch save cylinder bracket upto the battery. The connectors can break.

Also check the spade connector on the starter solenoid.

 

Just an 'outside of the box thinking' here. Following on from the similar problem I had with ny daughters car, her battery seemed fine as well. However I tried something that a fellow forum supporter mentioned, really stupid and really easy..................trickle car the battery overnight, but don't remove it from the car unless you have the codes.

My daughters car started first time, it was indeed the battery playing up. Her car too had no click, no starter action and this too had an immobiliser fitted. I thought it was that playing up, but the battery only needed a good charge.

 

Bump start it... this will ensure the car isn't immobilsed at all.

Then it's either battery or starter motor. Stick a Volt Meter on it, and tell us what you get... running and not (the latter being easier at the mo)

 

as you were towing it home did you try and bump start it?

 

I have had this twice on my ZS180.

Check your connections to your starter motor, cos they can corrode and prevent anything form happening.

Give the spade terminal a wiggle about, and try the larger terminal underneath as well.

The first time mine did this I called out AA man, and he did just that and it was fine.

He told me I might need a new starter motor as the connections were dodgy and my bottom terminal moved about a bit, but whever I have had a prblem since I give the terminals a quick wiggle and it works fine for months.

 

Exactly what happened to my 200 with exactly the same symptoms as your 180 Mark, but mine did it in the petrol station! Eep.

Simple and easy to fix

 

Yep, and cheaper than buying a new starter motor :spanner:

 

Damn right!

 

I checked the battery to earth connection and all seems fine, I also checked the starter connections (both wires) and they too seem nice and tight. Maybe I'll take them off and have a closer inspection?

I tried a bump start in the carpark and no joy!

I will trickle charge the battery tonight although I would have thought that even a slightly discharged battery would at least make the starter click or the engine turn over very slowly?

I have heard that you can connect jump leads to the starter directly? Is this safe and if so would it tell me that the battery is failing?

Many thanks for all the help guys, much appreciated

Mark

 

Home from work. Took off the connections to the starter and the negative terminal was rusty, bit of WD40, swap the washer around and hey presto a car that starts!!!

I guess the rust will just get worse and the only long term solution is to replace the starter solenoid.

Many, many thanks for all the help given. Much appreciated.

Mark

 

Wooooo! nice one

 

That is a long term solution, or just clean your terminals with a bit of wet'n'dry sandpaper to de-rust it.

 

they can just suddenly prevent the car from starting. I remember towards the last few months of my dad owning his fiesta, one morning he got in to go to work and nothing. I think the starter cable may have actually rusted completly and fallen off.

 

When they are clean, give them a coat of waxoyl or grease. That should keep the moisture and problem away. This type of problem is always at it worst towards the end of the winter due tot he salt build up. To help revent this, coat unprotected terminals before winter sets in.