VT Not starting

[TiMMy2410]

Hi,

I'm having an intermittent issue with a year 2000 Series II VT Berlina (V6) on dual fuel (APA system, 3-4years old).

It usually happens when cold, I'll turn the key and the car doesn't crank. I can hear some kind of ticking sound coming from the engine bay, but the car doesn't crank or fire. Following a few flicks of the key it eventually starts. I've noticed that the light on the lpg switch doesn't come on until the car cranks.

I've tried it with two different keys, one old and one fairly new. I've replaced the factory immobiliser contacts, tried starting in both neutral and park, the battery is just over a year old and tested okay. The fuel pump in the car is two weeks old, problem was happening before this was replaced. Spark plugs and tune done at last service (~5000kms ago).

Could it be the ignition barrel or starter motor?

Cheers,
Tim

[304runner]

The clicking your hearing is usually linked to a dud battery, make sure the terminals are connected properly. Battery's are susceptible to death in the colder months of the year... So head out and borrow a mates battery first and try that.

[TiMMy2410]

Would it be the battery even though the car eventually starts and runs no worries

[alpha_au]

Hi,

I'm having an intermittent issue with a year 2000 Series II VT Berlina (V6) on dual fuel (APA system, 3-4years old).

It usually happens when cold, I'll turn the key and the car doesn't crank. I can hear some kind of ticking sound coming from the engine bay, but the car doesn't crank or fire. Following a few flicks of the key it eventually starts. I've noticed that the light on the lpg switch doesn't come on until the car cranks.

I've tried it with two different keys, one old and one fairly new. I've replaced the factory immobiliser contacts, tried starting in both neutral and park, the battery is just over a year old and tested okay. The fuel pump in the car is two weeks old, problem was happening before this was replaced. Spark plugs and tune done at last service (~5000kms ago).

Could it be the ignition barrel or starter motor?

Cheers,
Tim

Had the same problem on a vt I had a couple of years ago. It was the battery in mine, but check your starter motor to see how old it is. Also, even if the battery is reading a "reasonable" voltage, it can still be on the way out

[TiMMy2410]

Had the same problem on a vt I had a couple of years ago. It was the battery in mine, but check your starter motor to see how old it is. Also, even if the battery is reading a "reasonable" voltage, it can still be on the way out

The battery is an AC Delco that was put in in August last year, reckon it could be on the way out already?

How would I check the starter? Take it to the mechanic/auto elec?

[304runner]

Yeah this even happened to me this afternoon, key in then click click click, vroooom... And I know it was the battery in my case because I was running the stereo for too long when I was cleaning it...

[alpha_au]

If it is the battery, like 304runner has said, it could have easily be flattened by a boot not being shut and a light kept on, or a stereo on for a couple of hours...

Although, by the sound of it, it could be a sluggish starter motor, they're extremely easy to replace and only about $100 new

[TiMMy2410]

I think the problem is happening too regularly for it to be the battery, i'll get it tested tomorrow, if not look at getting a new starter motor.

Thanks for all your help,
Tim

[Dayvo]

My sons used to crank over very slow for the last 4 months with the symptoms of a battery with a low charge . I put it up on stands and found the fault to be that the nut that holds the battery cable to the starter motor was lose by about 1 and a half turns .I pulled it off and sprayed it with contact cleaner and now alls good