Our illustrious feathered CO just called me - he is stuck at Newbury racecourse and the BudgieMobile won't start!

Apparently, he started it up fine, moved it and turned the engine off. When he came back to the car and tried to started it again, all he's getting is the sound of the starter motor turning - the engine doesn't catch. The green key light and the orange engine light you usually get when the key is in the ignition and turned to stage 2 aren't appearing though.

My immediate thought was that it is immobiliser-related. Does this sound familiar to anyone and, if so, what was the problem?

I think Ian's presently waiting for the HondaAssist recovery people to come and get him but if anyone is able to assist in the meantime please shout up - Feathers will be very grateful!

Thank.

 

If it was the immobiliser Mark, the engine wouldn't turn over.

 

Flooded engine?

 

Tell him to try an automotive reboot. I had these symptoms twice with my M3.

Switch everything off, leave it for 10 minutes and then try again.

Does the turning over sound any different from normal (in tone or speed or example). That's what happened to me.

Worth a try while he is waiting. No sense in constantly trying - he might flatten the battery.

 

Reset the ECU? Seems to work in most instances.

 

Ask him if he has an extended warranty

 

Did he put petrol in?

 

Anybody near Newbury? We need pics.

 

Solenoid

Starter motor is not engaging with the engine

 

Resolution: a big hammer.