Dear Ride Drive,

I own a 1997 Chimaera 4.0 which I have thoroughly enjoyed for the last two years. Unfortunately, the car suffers from irregular starting - sometimes when the car is hot, and sometimes for no apparent reason.

The symptoms are always the same, and are similar to a previous query you answered. When I turn on the ignition I can hear the fuel pump engaging, but when I turn the key further I get nothing at all.  If it's hot, I can expect the problem to disappear if I wait between 10 minutes and an hour, but occasionally it simply doesn't get any better (now, for instance).  It's frustrating to say the least, and I'm looking for suggestions other than 'Bring it in and we'll take a look'.

I have some reservations about the TVR garage my car is serviced at, primarily because the problem occurs more frequently after they have worked on the car.  I am giving them the benefit of the doubt as it may be coincidence, but would appreciate any advice you can offer to help me investigate further.

Thanks in advance,

Robin Hasson


Reply

Dear Robin,

My money is heavily on the starter motor.  Where this is situated on the engine it is very close to the exhaust and although there is a heat shield between that and the motor that area of the car gets very, very hot!  Consequently the windings within the motor deteriorate very quickly and then break down electrically.  Initially you usually will get an intermittent fault, but this will give way to a total failure.

If you are thinking of doing the repair yourself I do warn you that it is a real pig of job as the starter motor is not easy to get at!

I have discounted the solenoid on account of the fact that you can hear a click.  You can also hear the fuel pump, which is another common failure point.  This leaves me with the very strong conviction that it is the starter motor.

When the car is fixed, please will you email me to tell me what the problem was and how you got it fixed?  This is often for other TVR owners.

Good luck!

Julian

Ride Drive Ltd.