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        General >> Problems >> Suspected gearbox issue
        
(Message started by: Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 10:58am)

Title: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 10:58am

I've been working away for the last four years and the car has only been started at random intervals on trips home, so long periods parked up.
I started it a few weeks ago, and although it was a bit lumpy, it did start. I didn't take it out, though.
Recharged the battery yesterday but now get nothing on starting. It just clicks, but I can hear a new click from under the transmission selector, sounds like a switch or relay. I suspected the selector inhibitor (I assume there is one) so went up and down a few times from P to D etc, but this didn't make any difference.
Is there a limit switch or something that inhibits the starter if not in P or N?
Any help gratefully received, as ever. I'm hoping this isn't too serious.....
EDIT:
24V Cosworth Saloon
On initial ign switch on, a relay can be heard apparently in the rear somewhere. I can't get round the car properly to home in on the source. This is just clicking, although it isn't a clean click, more like a soft tap on something like the fuel tank...that's what it sounds like. Not heard this before.
Fuel switch inhibiting all further start demands?
Then the click under the selector console, as described, on the start detent on the key. All electrics appear to working otherwise (insts, windows, no needle resets or anything, so I'm satisfied battery is Ok (it's quite new anyway).

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by a900one on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 11:27am

It has to be in P or N to start, It sounds like the battery may have given up. Check the battery or try to jump start it.
Gerald.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 11:38am

I'm pretty sure the battery is ok, see edit above. It was flat but on charging it drew full current then dropped back to a few amps, and stayed there all day. Looks like a healthy battery to me. Must admit otherwise the symptoms look like a flat tho. I'll go fiddle with it. Methinks it ain't going to be that simple!
PS your tag says a Scorpio is not just for Xmas, it's for life...more like it'll be the death of you!

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 11:56am

"This is just clicking, although it isn't a clean click, more like a soft tap on something like the fuel tank...that's what it sounds like."

Possibly the fuel pump is gummed up...trying to turn but not quite getting there ???

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Simmo on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 12:17pm

Jeff. Have you gone through the appropriate advice in Fault Finder? (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/faultfinds.htm) :)

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 2:05pm

I will investigate relay number 11, thanks. Will report back.
Mike, if fuel pump was gummed up, the engine would still turn over, wouldn't it?

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 5:54pm

on 08/02/18 at 14:05:01, Jeff wrote:

I will investigate relay number 11, thanks. Will report back.
Mike, if fuel pump was gummed up, the engine would still turn over, wouldn't it?

Engine would still turn over but lack of fuel pressure could cause it not to start. Might be worth checking the fuel filter too. Fuel pump sits in the top of the fuel tank.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 6:40pm

Starter is not turning.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 7:19pm

on 08/02/18 at 18:40:37, Jeff wrote:

Starter is not turning.

Sounds like a problem with the wiring to the inhibitor switch...if it is not detecting the transmission is in either P or N then the starter will not engage.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 2^nd, 2018, 8:30pm

Where's the inhibitor switch - is it on the gearbox? Also, I can't find the central fuse box, where've they hidden that one? Can see me giving up on this if things don't start improving...
Friend of mine has a new VW Golf GTE, half Diesel, half electric. Under the bonnet is a 3 cylinder engine and some space age equipment which I know nothing about, and lots of orange wiring looms all over. It looked like something out of an aircraft. I did think should we be going in that direction....but it has to be leased, no way that can be DIY'ed. Or bought by the ordinary man either, for that matter. All very depressing.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Tompion on Aug 3^rd, 2018, 12:26am

The central fuse box is the proper name for the drivers side fusebox.

The click from under the transmission selector may just be the heated seat relay dropping out - you probably wouldn't normally notice it when the engine's turning. You can hear the heated seat relay click when you turn the ignition off - is it the same sound?

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 7^th, 2018, 3:45pm

Mr. Tompion, I think I owe you a beer.
Sat in the car again and inspected the heated seat switches, but they were off, so I thought this won't make any difference. However, I switched them both on and off a couple of times and to my surprise it started. Made me jump actually!
It's a bit rough, mind, but I think it needs to be run a while and then driven again so that it can re-calibrate itself. The PAS oil had leaked out and the pump was very noisy so I switched off. I must get round to addressing these issues in due course, but I'm very happy it has started again. Many thanks.

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Simmo on Aug 7^th, 2018, 7:50pm

If you can't see where the Power Steering fluid has gone check the rubber gaiters on the rack. They will hold a fair bit before they 'give way'. Not a scenario you want! Indicates the seals have gone and that means a replacement rack.

If you have to go that route try This firm (http://www.kellybraysteering.co.uk/pages/ford_16409.cfm) who have given good service to members in the past and will recon. your old rack if they don't have a replacement available. :)

Title: Re: Suspected gearbox issue
Post by Jeff on Aug 8^th, 2018, 5:09pm

Cheers Simmo, will check it out at the weekend I hope. It seems to be dripping onto the ground apparently under the offside headlight, so I'm hoping the rack itself is ok. The hoses are all wet down there in that corner.