Hi fellow 6Speeders,

I have a 2009 AM Vantage with a manual transmission and I 'm having a strange intermittent starting problem. Some times it starts up fine other times when I insert the ECU (key) into the slot, the instrument panel lights up and everything appears normal, but I do not get the red lighting of the start button (remains white). When I push the button all the way in nothing happens. If I un-insert and reinsert the key several times it sometimes starts. When it does start, the starter sounds like it's turning at the normal speed not sluggishly, which makes me think it's not a battery issue. The car is always on a trickle charger when it's not being driven.

Both keys yield the same condition.

Every once and awhile it sounds like the starter only engages for a short time which makes me think it might be the start button.

All the interior lights appear to be normal (i.e. not dim).

Anybody had this issue or any suggestions?

Thanks,

Alex

 

Someone else had a wiring issue not too long ago, loose connection or something like that. Should be in a recent thread. Might be related.

 

Thanks. I checked for that problem (clutch switch) and that wasn't it. Appreciate the response.

Cheers

 

It sounds like your starter button. I had this problem on occasion. Sometimes the ECU is not totally engaging into the proper position into the starter. I ended up replacing the ECU Starting unit.

 

So it's a manual and you already checked the clutch switch to make sure it's closed circuit when clutch pedal is pressed to floor?

 

Yes, I checked it and the circuit does close. I ordered a Solar BA5 electronic battery tester to check the cranking amps of the battery just incase that might be the cause. The battery is original, so it's coming up on 7 years old and should probably be replaced anyway.

 

I know you checked the clutch switch but this sounds like the exact problem I had. I figured out that it wasn't the switch but except it was the wiring connected at the switch. I held down the clutch and watched the start button turn red then wiggled the wires and noticed that the light would flicker on/off.

Just a thought for you.. Good luck.

 

Speedracrer800 thanks for the insight. I'll perform the same test too.

 

i have the same issue just ordered key docking station lets hope it works
Jim

 

Yah, that's really the next step. I usually trick the docking station into thinking the clutch or brake(depends on model) is pressed. If the switch turns red and allows to start then I know which direction of circuit to diagnose.

You can also go further and jump the ignition to start providing the key is in the docking station set to ON.. Just helps diagnose if it's a switch or starter motor

 

Jim,

Do you have the part number for the key docking station and an approximate cost?

 

Alex,

Before spending the money on a new dock, you might want to consider the following experiment for a while and see if it helps you:

I find that some ECU cars are finicky when it comes to recognizing the key if you start the car in a 2-step process where you insert the ECU and release it after the first click and then wait for the starter button to turn red before attempting to start the car by pressing the ECU in fully.

Instead, first press down the clutch pedal fully. Then insert the ECU all the way into the dock to start the car in one single action. I find that in most cases, this takes care of the problem.

 

Thanks Jim. I'll give that a try and see what happens. In the interim, I'm going to change the battery since it's going on seven years. I purchased an OBD2 memory keeper that I'm going to try. Hopefully, it allows me to retain all of the computer settings while I'm changing the battery; most importantly the misfire correction factors. Re-learning those is not an easy task.

 

• maybe I bought your car! If not , please tell me how to fix it. Thanks Tom 720 768 3582

 

Hello ​​​​​​@298corvettes,
​@Ducati348 hasn't been active here since April of 2018, but I have tagged him here, and I will send him a PM asking to have a look at this thread.

Welcome to 6speedonline !

Johnny