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[pscocoa]

Just got back from over 1000 miles on the road this week - no problems. However, turn ignition key and it just clicks - turn off and on again and it starts as normal. This has happened twice in last 3 days.

Battery is only a year old - could this be a bad connection arising from recent engine change when VX will have had all the bits out to refit on new one?

I think VX battereis are guaranteed 2 years so maybe I will start from there by getting it tested.

[TheBoy]

dodgy starter solenoid? poor engine earth?

[pscocoa]

Thanks - in the technical info section - you posted a photo of the v6 engine bay but it does not stretch over to the full battery shot - since the new engine was fitted something looks different around the battery area but I cannot put my finger on it. Should the negative terminal have a cover over it? Also the block wiring at the back of the battery on mine looks as though it should have protection around it (I think it used to) but does not now - ie. you can see the coloured wires.

I may try and do photo tomorrow if I do not make progress on the other items.

[Kevin Wood]

Could be the starter interlock switch which prevents you starting the car in gear. This is integrated into the gearbox selector switch, I believe. Might be worth trying waggling the gear selector next time. see if that helps.

If you are actually getting a "clunk" from the starter motor I would suspect the starter motor, solenoid or possibly a bad connection.

Kevin

[pscocoa]

the interlock switch is favourite I think - is this easy to get at?

[RobG]

the interlock switch is favourite I think - is this easy to get at?

Remove gearlever surround by prising up the plastic trim and you will be able to see the switch

[Kevin Wood]

the interlock switch is favourite I think - is this easy to get at?

Remove gearlever surround by prising up the plastic trim and you will be able to see the switch

I have a feeling the starter interlock is inside the main gear selector switch, which is mounted on the gearbox where the selector shaft enters the 'box?

The switch under the centre console stops you removing the key unless in Park.

I may be wrong...

The other thing to try is to move the gear selector to "N" before starting.

Kevin

[pscocoa]

the interlock switch is favourite I think - is this easy to get at?

Remove gearlever surround by prising up the plastic trim and you will be able to see the switch

I have a feeling the starter interlock is inside the main gear selector switch, which is mounted on the gearbox where the selector shaft enters the 'box?

The switch under the centre console stops you removing the key unless in Park.

I may be wrong...

The other thing to try is to move the gear selector to "N" before starting.

Kevin

kevin - it is acting up again - when they put the new engine in they would have had to reconnect gearbox obviously - do you think they could have failed to connect this interlock switch correctly - is it a big job to get at it if it is not the switch under the plastic gear lever cover?

[pscocoa]

Update - problem solved - thanks to all and Kevin Wood via PMs.

It is my dealer again - went in today on spec (car was booked in gfor friday but can't make it now) as did not think their diagnosis was correct and insisted that before I commit to £212 on the interlock switch replacement - that they check the connection to the starter motor. Hey presto - when they fitted new engine the feed to starter motor was not tightened up.

Now sorted - no charge.

Off to Cornwall again friday so glad this intermittent fault now dealt with.

Thanks again