May I begin by stating this purports to be a generic problem that many of us have or had: No power to the starter via the ignition switch. The first time it happened my friend suggested for me to move the car as if it were a starter gear problem it worked twice! I have no idea why???? I drove the car home and removed all the cables cleaned them and replaced the ground cable from the frame to cut off the power switch. It was ok again! Then a short time later It did it again. I disconnected the turn off the power switch and ran the ground directly to the frame. It was ok for a short time then it did it again. When it decides not to connect there's no click just silence. Luck has been with me each time. After a lot of expletives it corrects itself and starts. I do not have a starting issue. The cars fires up immediatley. I have a no power to the starter issue. This problem has happened with other make and model cars I've owned. Generally cleaning the battery cables, replacing them and or the battery resolves the problem. I convinced the chief of staff to keep the car. Another trip to the shop and I may be kicked out with the car. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks RAT
Have you tried a direct jump from battery to starter terminal? to eliminate any electrical connection ignition key relays fuse panel etc issues. Is it doing it after a short stop (5-20 min) after a short drive (5-20 min)? If so if you wait 30 min does it work then? If so then it may be a problem with the contacts in the starter and solenoid not making in certain heat soak conditions. Which car is it mine is an 82 Mondi 8 and I have chased and grieved this for a good while, a replacement lightweight starter cleared it but then I broke a contact on that--(was my bad)
Hi, Just read this thread. Had problem today with my '86 3.2 Mondial, after an hours drive in hot temps including stopping in traffic jam, we stopped for 15 mins. Then had problem it would not start. Basically starter would not turn over, fuel pump relays etc were clicking but starter was not responding to the key. Disconnected the imobiliser, no effect. After a few minutes, after swapping a few relays to no effect, it started !! Drove home and it starts OK now ? Seems to be a heat soak issue, if it gets hot, starter does not respond to key. Any suggestions where I should look first ? Will probably leave it to winter time to investigate, but a starting point would be usefull.
