Intermittantly doesn't start. Pounding behind drivers seat resolves it? - LotusTalk

gabner · 09-03-2009, 06:14 AM

2005 Elise, 11k miles.
Very intermittent. It either starts immediately or will not start at all. Always turns over.

If I pound the plastic cover behind the drivers seat it starts. Loose connector? Anyone know which one or what it's doing?

It's not a pump priming problem. I make sure the immobilizer is OFF before inserting the key and turning. I'm pretty sure I hear the fuel pump coming on.

Just acts like theirs no ignition. At first I thought the immobilizer was faulty, (not sure but I'm guessing it cuts ignition).

I vaguely remember a post about a loose connector behind the drivers seat having similar symptoms.

Thanks guys.

TheViper · 09-03-2009, 06:19 AM

The immobilizer interrupts the fuel pump and starter circuits, not the ignition.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabner

2005 Elise, 11k miles.
Very intermittent. It either starts immediately or will not start at all. Always turns over.

If I pound the plastic cover behind the drivers seat it starts. Loose connector? Anyone know which one or what it's doing?

It's not a pump priming problem. I make sure the immobilizer is OFF before inserting the key and turning. I'm pretty sure I hear the fuel pump coming on.

Just acts like theirs no ignition. At first I thought the immobilizer was faulty, (not sure but I'm guessing it cuts ignition).

I vaguely remember a post about a loose connector behind the drivers seat having similar symptoms.

Thanks guys.

Chris Mackey · 09-03-2009, 06:50 AM

The ECU is behind the driver's seat. Maybe it is a loose connection.

TheViper · 09-03-2009, 07:25 AM

Check the "Multi Function Relay Unit" mounted to the right & below of the engine bay fuses. There is a history of the connector plug on the bottom developing corroded contacts. It is the unit with the blue base.
Michael

alil'britdifferent · 09-03-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabner

If I pound the plastic cover behind the drivers seat it starts.

I'm just curious as to how you found this solution. Not the first thing I would have thought to try!

RichS · 09-03-2009, 07:36 AM

I'll imagine frustration was involved...

Zinhead · 09-03-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alil'britdifferent

I'm just curious as to how you found this solution. Not the first thing I would have thought to try!

Read the manual. It is a British car.

gabner · 09-04-2009, 08:02 AM

I vaguely remember a post about a loose connector behind the drivers seat having similar symptoms.

Not really sure where I saw this but yeah there was also a lot frustration involved.

This has happened to me 4 times in the last two weeks. Can someone help me narrow down the problem knowing that the failure only occurs when trying to start the car, it's never stopped running. Which of the items listed is only involved with starting the engine? ECU, MFUR, (any other connectors back there?)

I also don't think I pounded hard enough to effect the other side of the firewall, I think it has to be just inside the plastic behind the drivers seat.

Thanks for your help.
Gary

tesprit · 09-04-2009, 08:08 AM

Where exactly behind the driver's seat are you pounding? If we knew that it may help pinpoint the part or connection that is failing.

gabner · 09-06-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tesprit

Where exactly behind the driver's seat are you pounding? If we knew that it may help pinpoint the part or connection that is failing.

It hasn't happened in a few days. When it happens again, I'll try a single spot at a time until it starts. I pounded on the top of the shelf and just above the shelf directly behind the drivers seat.
Thanks guys.
Gary

TheViper · 09-06-2009, 10:21 AM

The most obvious item is the immobilizer, which is exactly where you indicate you hit. The only thing is that the immobilizer only controls the starter circuit and the fuel pump. You indicate that the starter is operating and you believe the fuel pump is priming, you might want to check that to be sure.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabner

It hasn't happened in a few days. When it happens again, I'll try a single spot at a time until it starts. I pounded on the top of the shelf and just above the shelf directly behind the drivers seat.
Thanks guys.
Gary

09-03-2009, 06:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
gabner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 66	Intermittantly doesn't start. Pounding behind drivers seat resolves it? 2005 Elise, 11k miles. Very intermittent. It either starts immediately or will not start at all. Always turns over. If I pound the plastic cover behind the drivers seat it starts. Loose connector? Anyone know which one or what it's doing? It's not a pump priming problem. I make sure the immobilizer is OFF before inserting the key and turning. I'm pretty sure I hear the fuel pump coming on. Just acts like theirs no ignition. At first I thought the immobilizer was faulty, (not sure but I'm guessing it cuts ignition). I vaguely remember a post about a loose connector behind the drivers seat having similar symptoms. Thanks guys. __________________ 2005 Graphite Gray with Red.

09-03-2009, 06:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	The ECU is behind the driver's seat. Maybe it is a loose connection. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

09-03-2009, 07:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,200	Check the "Multi Function Relay Unit" mounted to the right & below of the engine bay fuses. There is a history of the connector plug on the bottom developing corroded contacts. It is the unit with the blue base. Michael Attached Images __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

09-03-2009, 07:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	I'll imagine frustration was involved... __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

09-04-2009, 08:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
gabner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 66	I vaguely remember a post about a loose connector behind the drivers seat having similar symptoms. Not really sure where I saw this but yeah there was also a lot frustration involved. This has happened to me 4 times in the last two weeks. Can someone help me narrow down the problem knowing that the failure only occurs when trying to start the car, it's never stopped running. Which of the items listed is only involved with starting the engine? ECU, MFUR, (any other connectors back there?) I also don't think I pounded hard enough to effect the other side of the firewall, I think it has to be just inside the plastic behind the drivers seat. Thanks for your help. Gary __________________ 2005 Graphite Gray with Red.

09-04-2009, 08:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,925	Where exactly behind the driver's seat are you pounding? If we knew that it may help pinpoint the part or connection that is failing.

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