8 replies to this topic

[Matty2012]

Hey everyone, I have a 1986 classic mini and when I turn the key to start the car it either goes clunk or it try’s to start and starts.

However sometimes I have to turn the key multiple times to get rid of the clunk and for it to start.

Do I need a new ignition switch with steering lock?

[Lplus]

I'm assuming this is a pre-engage starter. If so it sounds to me like the problem is the solenoid or the starter.  The clunk sounds like the solenoid throwing the starter gear into engagement but the silence afterward is the solenoid failing to make contact internally to connect the main power to the starter windings.  I suppose it could be the starter itself having dodgy contacts internally.

[Marky Tizz]

+1 for the solenoid, I've had this with 2 different minis in the past. Swap the starter out it's a relatively straight forward job, and they used to be cheap - not sure anymore though sorry!

[sonscar]

Not sure on the wiring on this year car but is there a start relay on the cross member triangle drivers side?Check if there is is it can get green and crusty.Your problem could be a number of poor connections in the starter circuit.Steve..

[68+86auto]

Not sure on the wiring on this year car but is there a start relay on the cross member triangle drivers side?Check if there is is it can get green and crusty.Your problem could be a number of poor connections in the starter circuit.Steve..

^^^ This is what I would check too.

I have seen problems like this on other vehicles without a relay where others think it is the starter but it is actually the fact that the switch and wiring is old. The starter solenoid itself uses a large amount of current.

Edited by 68+86auto, 27 June 2023 - 02:57 AM.

[coopertaz]

put a test lamp on starter solenoid feed and start car if light goes of with key still turned on relay or ignition bad, if light stays on and starter goes clunk but car does not start solenoid main contacts bad

[Matty2012]

put a test lamp on starter solenoid feed and start car if light goes of with key still turned on relay or ignition bad, if light stays on and starter goes clunk but car does not start solenoid main contacts bad

Can I do this with a multi meter? If so how can I? Thanks

Are people saying that with the wiring and relay being old that the current may vary when turning the key? As it uses a lot of current to run the starter.

The car is very intermittent with this issue. Most of the time the car starts. Sometimes there’s a clunk and there will be multiple attempts of getting rid of that clunk by turning the key on and off.

Edited by Matty2012, 27 June 2023 - 10:42 AM.

[Ethel]

Yes.

 

I think he's suggesting testing there is current reaching the solenoid spade terminal to actuate it. I'd modify the test slightly and put the meter between the screw terminal, that connects the short fly lead that goes in to the motor proper, and earth to measure the voltage. That will show if the internal solenoid contacts are connecting when you turn the key.

 

The other screw terminal, for the battery cable can be used to to test your chosen earth is good, You could also "hotwire" off it to operate the solenoid, eliminating the starter switch & solenoid.

 

I'd also suspect the solenoid, provided the motor spins well when it does start.

 

If the motor & solenoid are good, the solenoid tends to chatter with a poor battery/cable/connections because as soon as it connects the voltage drops too low to keep the solenoid energised so it drops out, then immediately tries to engage again.

[sonscar]

Take the start wire off the solenoid spade(white/red?)and clean it and the terminal.Steve..