612 starting after sitting

Hello everyone,

A few days ago, a friend asked for my help to check if his 612 would start after sitting unused for nearly 10 years in a garage. We followed the manual’s instructions and fitted a new battery (100Ah 850A). When we turned on the ignition, all the dashboard lights started flashing and the display showed multiple system errors. We tried to start the car, but when we turned the ignition to position 3, nothing happened — no sound, nothing. It seemed like the car wouldn't start because of the errors. Any ideas on what could be going wrong?

Video with the failures: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8z8VjkIxvno

 

There could be all kinds of issues, pistons frozen, one or both timing belts broken, starter motor frozen, wiring damage. Starting an engine that has been dormant for 10 years is not as simple as putting in a new battery.

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention that before starting the engine, we drained the old fuel and added new. We also checked all the fluids and timing belts. They seem okay, but of course, everything will be replaced if we can get the engine to start. The main problem right now is the multiple system failures. I ordered an Autel AP200, which many of you here recommended, to see what's going on.

 

Try this run cycle test and see if you make any progress.
Run Cycle



Run cycle.

Turn battery disconnect switch off and turn off all accessories (stereo, A/C, etc).


Let engine get completely cold or wait at least 30 minutes.


Reconnect disconnect switch.


Disarm immobilizer.


Insert key in ignition and leave for 30 seconds.


Turn ignition to on and leave for 30 seconds.


Turn ignition off and leave for 30 seconds.


Turn ignition on, wait for Check OK, and start. May have to disarm immobilizer again.


Let idle with no input whatsoever for 10 minutes.


Turn accessories back on and drive gently for 10-15 minutes at least.


You will have to insert stereo code, if required.

 

Silly question, but the video shows the car to be in 1st gear... are you stepping on the brake while you are trying to start the car? I don't think it will let the starter motor turn if you aren't stepping on the brakes in that config. I could be wrong. I would try to select neutral before attempting another start. Also it is common to see electrical faults in a car that has been without battery power for an extended period of time. Some of those faults can take many miles of driving before they will clear-out. My rain sensor and twilight sensor faults would not clear with the Autel AP200, but cleared on their own after about 40 miles of driving.

 

Yes I’m pressing hard on the brakes when I try to start the car. I also tried starting it with Neutral but it didn’t work. I followed the procedure on the owners manual. I also checked the relay of the starter motor in the luggage compartment but it doesn’t make the click sound when I turn the key. It should do it right?

 

If the immobilizer is not happy, it will not let you start the car. I'm not sure if that prevents the starter from turning or not (fuel and spark are definitely blocked but I'm not sure about the starter motor). The owner's manual suggests trying a different key, and if that doesn't work then using the "emergency starting procedure" where the 5-digit code is required. From your video, I can't see if the immobilizer warning light (padlock symbol) is illuminated or not. The "electrical system failure" light is worrying...that could be indicative of all sorts of problems. A good system scan would really be helpful. Please let us know what the AP200 says, once you have had a chance to try it. Good luck.

 

The CODE system warning light is not illuminated when I try to start the engine. My AP200 will arrive next week so I will be waiting for that. Thank you

Edit: I will also try to run the cycle that @tazandjan recommended when I get the chance.

 

The cycle that Taz recommended is the Gold Standard. Does the 612 have a reset button in the floor of the front passenger seat like the 599? If it does reset the button.

 

Never seen a reset button, I will search for it. Also I run the cycle mentioned in the owner’s manual before but everything was the same.
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Hi George. My 2006 (pre-OTO) 612 definitely does not have a reset button. I'm not sure about the OTO cars.

 

George is talking about the roll-over valve reset button.

 

If you are talking about the Inertia switch, which cuts the fuel flow, it's on the driver's side. I don't think it's gotta do something with my problem.

 

No, did not sound like it.

 

So update, my Autel arrived today. I attached the report from the scan. The faults are pretty weird and some systems like Airbags, Suspension, Body Computer, etc. were never logged in the system report nor I could access them. If you have any explanation let me know, thank you!

 

Most if not all are due to a voltage issue ..is the battery ok

Most are absent too .

I would check/replace battery first

Check cranking voltage and standing voltage and running voltage with a multimeter at battery terminals

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The battery is new but has been in the car for at least a week, mostly with the master switch turned off. Fortunately, I have a battery charger, so I'll try charging it.

 

Yes, it does sound like a battery issue. One other thing you could check is the battery clamps. After all those years you may have a film/residue on the inside of the clamps which is not allowing full contact with the battery. Take some fine sandpaper and rough up the inside of those clamps.

 

As others have said, this sounds like a typical battery voltage issue. These cars seem to go crazy when the voltages aren't just right. If the battery is verified to be good and the battery connections are verified to be clean, then I would suspect a faulty ground somewhere in the car is likely contributing to the problems.

 

A quick search of the factory workshop manual reveals 19 references for "earth"...or electrical ground points. There are numerous ground points spread throughout the car. In the engine compartment, on the clutch bell housing, at various points on the chassis underside, inside the dash, under the cover for the passenger (referencing left-hand drive cars) foot well cover, etc. A thorough visual inspection may help to identify a loose ground or any obvious corrosion.

On a side note: I had trouble starting my car one day. I had previously left the car in 1st gear. Before attempting to start the engine I tried to put the car in neutral by pulling both paddles back. The car gave me the "ding-ding-ding" warning tone and would not shift into neutral...it stayed in 1st gear. I tried several times with the same result. I proceeded to attempt engine start with the car in first gear...and the starter motor would not turn at all. I ended-up re-charging the battery and everything worked normally after that. My general impression was that the low battery voltage was preventing the car from shifting into neutral and also preventing the starter from operating. After re-charging the battery, I haven't seen that problem again. Anytime I have unexplained or unexpected faults with my 612, I strongly suspect the battery or the battery connections to be the probable cause. My car has been incredibly reliable in almost every other way, but the battery seems to be the main weakness. Also, I suspect that the immobilizer runs the battery down. In response, I rarely ever lock my car if I know it will sit for a long time without a battery tender on it.

 

So, I managed to get the battery fully charged, but things are still pretty much the same. However, today I dug into some live data from the OBD. Found some interesting stuff. Take a peek at the attached file, entry #99 says "IGNITION NOT ALLOWED" message. Also, entries 100 through 104 show that the self-learning procedure didn't kick in, even though I followed the manual steps. Any thoughts or ideas on this?

EDIT: Also, I've been trying to get the radio to turn on without any luck. I've pressed and held the ON button several times, maybe it indicates some issue?

 

Are you getting lights , gauges when you turn the key
Looking at live data dues the brake switch show when you press brake

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Yes, the brake switch is working when I press the brake.
That happens when I turn the key, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8z8VjkIxvno

 

Based on the display ..it thinks good and trunk are opened .. it won't start with that indicated ..also ..have you tried to clear all faults with tool and see which ones come back

When you say brake is working ..you see it in live data off and on?

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Also.check all fuses

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