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[Entwood]

Thanks Entwood

I was trying not to move on to discussing the solenoid

I agree that the solenoid is simply a hoofing great relay that just happens to be used to whack the the starter gear into engagement before it makes a big electrical contact but I really did believe that there was another relay hidden behind the glove box.

My old range rover has a pre-engaged starter with a solenoid on the side and it also has a relay which makes a very audible click when you turn the key.

My early Omega had a relay the clicked behind the glove box but with the benefit of a little reflection I now realise that it must have been the alarm imobiliser (it could stop the engine firing but it couldn't stop the starter from turning)

Not a problem mate ....   

I'm just thinking that IF the AA man attached 12V directly to the low voltage side, the solenoid pulled in and the starter turned.. then it proves the switch side must be where the fault lies.

I don't see how connecting 12V directly to the drive side would actaully start the engine, as the mechanism would not have "moved across" if you get my drift..

So I'm starting to agree with you ... a fault in the low current side from the ignition switch down to the starter, which probably means the switch contacts or a broken wire ..   ?? 

[Kevin Wood]

I'm pretty sure the only thing in circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid is the gearbox inhibitor switch (if an auto).

Kevin

[ryan2.2]

right so i need a new starter motor? is that the easyest thing i think you have all guessed by now i know nout bout cars

[Andy B]

Andy B have you dont this befor??? also do you have a code reader??

Not on an Omega.  :-/
I have a 'Cheapo TechII' 

[Entwood]

ryan ... unlikely as it worked for the AA man.   

I'm guessing yours is a manual as you were able to bump start it down a hill, so you DON'T have the inhibit switch Kevin mentions.

So we come back to andy's original thought .. the ignition switch

This needs checking with a circuit tester by someone who knows how to use one properly, there are several knowledgeable folks around Manchester ... hopefuly one will volunteer ..

[ryan2.2]

Right ok is there any knowledgeable people around the manchester area who would mind helping me out you have all prob guessed by now i know nout about cars and i really need my car back on the road so any help would be great thanx

[Andy H]

If you have already been in contact with Daz I would recommend giving him another call.

I have one more possible cause. The Haynes manual shows one fuse (it is shown as FV4) that feeds the ignition switch. Sometimes old fuses can suffer from poor contact or partial failure and simply taking them out and putting them back in fixes the problem. Unfortunately I cannot work out where it is (the 3 main fuse locations are 1. under the steering wheel 2. in the triangular box with the ECU 3. in the square box on top of the battery).

When you turn the key from 'run' to 'start' the lamps on the dashboard would usually dim a little. If they all go out then I would suspect that the fuse was making a poor contact.

[davethediver]

How did you get on in the end ryan any update on the problems :question

[ryan2.2]

gave it to a friend who has fixed it pick the car up tonight once i know what was up will let you all know

[ryan2.2]

ITS FIXED WHOO!!!    Hi guys it turns out it was a broken wire from the battery to the starter motor so all sorted now just wont to say thank you for all your help