AU3 XR8 Ute Won't Start (Intermittently)

[LeadFoot81]

Hey guys, I'm having an issue with my auto XR8 which occasionally refuses to start.

I turn the key to Accessories (all good) then turn to start and get nothing.

There's no specific circumstances which cause it (doesn't matter if it's hot or cold, just been driven or been sitting for a couple of weeks)

Every time this has happened I've kept tried a mixture of wriggling the steering wheel as well as moving the shifter from from P to N. Nothing obvious fixes it...I just keep turning the key off/on until it eventually starts.

The only out of the ordinary thing that has been happening recently; is that when I shift the box into a lower gear (3,2,1) it either won't do it, or after a while it'll decide to shift back to D irrespective of where the T-Bar is.

In terms of troubleshooting:

- I've checked that the relays are snug (switched them around and given them a light tap)
- Had a test light on the starter motor (when the key is turned, she lights up)

However - ironically, I haven't been able to reproduce the no-start scenario!

Any ideas on troubleshooting this greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

[Citroënbender]

Does it start easily and continue to run if you jump the starter relay terminals in the underbonnet fusebox? Good idea to have a helper standing on the brakes in this instance.

[PridenJoy]

Battery terminals tight?

[macman]

I really would have suspected the inhibitor switch / neutral safety switch on the side of the auto trans, the white plastic module which tells the electronics which position the T-bar is in.

Perhaps take the module off (easy) and give it a clean and visual inspection.

If you have another AU (seems lots of us do, or have access to one), try swapping in another switch to quickly rule it out.

IMO you're experiencing the symptoms of a dud one.

[Uncle_Ken]

I agree

[BLU-220]

This is what it looks like the white thing that is circled

[LeadFoot81]

Thanks guys, and thanks BLU-220 for the pic! Really appreciate it.

I'll have a look over the weekend and report back.

[snap0964]

I'm assuming you get the brake warning light (!) every time start is selected whether it turns over or not?
Most likely you'll need to clean the inhibitor switch by the sounds of it - quick test you can do is pull the 4 pin white plug (see pic above),
use a paper clip or jumper wire, short plug terminals 57 & 34.
Refer http://fordforums.com.au/wsm/wire/aubx/Part%2024-3.html connector C12 Page 24-3-2.
Make sure trans is in park - try to start the car. If it starts, inhibitor s/w needs cleaning.

[NCII40]

Def Trans switch

No need to change


Just start it in N,



Works every time for me


Good security too

[LeadFoot81]

Hi guys, late update but I ended up changing the Inhibitor Switch and so far so good!

I'd forgotten that the reverse light had stopped working as well (ute only really gets driven daylight hours) and that started working again with the new switch.

Thanks again for everyone's comments.