starting problem :(

[maddocks21]

Hi all.
Went to start the car (2001 4.4v8) and wouldnt start. Dorrs unlocked ok and ignition comes on on ok, no warning lights etc. All i hear is one click then nothing. Starter doesnt kick in and engine doesnt crank.
Tried jumping it off the connections under bonnet but still same. Didnt have time leave leads connected for a few mins to build up charge. Anyone got any suggesstions?

[Nat]

Sounds like a flat battery to me.

[Jamine16]

Try a different key.

Could be a problem with the ignition not picking up the key.

[maddocks21]

Ive only got one key 

[Jamine16]

[quote="maddocks21"]
Ive only got one key 
[/quote]

Ouch, where abouts are you located?

[maddocks21]

[quote="Jamine16"]
[quote="maddocks21"]
Ive only got one key 
[/quote]

Ouch, where abouts are you located?
[/quote]

Cannock in the west mids

[Jamine16]

If after you try everything else and it doesn't work, I offer a key repair and key replacement service.

Might be worth trying as a last resort.

[Y13HYA]

leave a battery cahrger connected for a bit, if no joy then definitely sounds like starters dead.

[maddocks21]

Update.

Just got home from work and measured the voltage. 11.2v sitting and 10.8v with ignition on. Now obviously this is too low, at this voltage would it be too low to even get the starter motor kicking in?

[Ricko]

I too have had the same problem recently albeit intermittent. When it happens I get out of the car and relock it (also setting the immobiliser)

Once locked I then unlock the car - get back in and the engine will start. I know it sounds stupid but this method has worked so far.

If you Google this problem you will see that is has been discussed a number of times.

Possible reasons are battery, faulty ignition switch, faulty key or something to do with the "drive away protection system"

One solution I found was to moving the gear selector from park to neutral and back again – then try and start the engine.

I did originally put it down to the cold weather – But if it continues I will be looking to get the battery tested.

[jaynana]

possibly battery - from your readings.

jumper cables could be not think enough.. could try a properly rated jumper cable or try leaving it connected for a while, to charge the battery and then crank teh engine.

it could also be teh starter motor; that itself can also be the battery drain!

[maddocks21]

Problem solved.

Found i had faulty jump cables (no continutity throught pos lead) bought some heavy duty cables and connected it to the van. Left an running for 10mins get some charge through. x5 started first time and is running at 13.8v.

Took car for a spin and doesnt seem be any probs. Have restarted car and all seems well. i do remmber leaving ignition on when i was sorting the cd changer /  amp out on monday evening so think prob maybe from that. Cheers for the help thou  ::)

[Horizon]

Glad you got it sorted. 10 minutes with the ignition on can cause the battery to drain enough not to start. I had a Shogun / Chalenger  SUV and that had two big batteries, as did my 840 ci
I only use my X5 at the weekends most of the time, so I put it on trickle charge every now and then over night to keep it topped up. Leaving them stood and irregular use is a major battery killer. I put a new Bosch S5 on last year, so I am covered for 5 years if it dies on me.

[jaynana]

[quote="Horizon"]
Glad you got it sorted. 10 minutes with the ignition on can cause the battery to drain enough not to start. I had a Shogun / Chalenger  SUV and that had two big batteries, as did my 840 ci
I only use my X5 at the weekends most of the time, so I put it on trickle charge every now and then over night to keep it topped up. Leaving them stood and irregular use is a major battery killer. I put a new Bosch S5 on last year, so I am covered for 5 years if it dies on me.
[/quote]

likewise 

i'm re-paving my driveway and gonna fix a power outlet through an armored cable taking use of the oppty..