I have a 2001 XKR (rhd) with an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes the car will start ok, but sometimes not. The dash lights come on but the engine won't crank. I have attached a video file showing what happens when I turn the ignition. I would welcome any comments/advice from owners who have experienced similar things and who may have any ideas where to start diagnosis.

 

I should have mentioned that I have the battery on trickle charge so I don't believe its a battery issue, and the starter motor was refurbished two years ago so I dont think its a sticky starter motor.

 

With the ignition in the OFF position, and the battery maintainer removed, what is the voltage across the battery terminals when checked with a voltmeter?

 

Currently 12.5v and the car is starting ok (as I say it's an intermittent problem and it always seems to work when I want to investigate!!). When it wasn't starting, I tried jump starting it off my wife's Lexus hybrid and it still didn't start.

 

Ideally, there should be a minimum of 12.6 volts available to make all systems function properly.

There are two possibilities you can look at as you begin your diagnosis: faulty ignition switch not energising the starter circuit and a faulty starter relay.

Other areas to consider are corroded circuit wiring and poor connections. Have you inspected the wiring loom to the starter motor?

 

I think I need to wait until it happens again then check a few things out. If that doesn't work I may just have to leave it with the local mechanic, wait for it to happen again and and get him to check all the starting circuits and earths. I don't have the knowledge to do it all myself. I guess I was hoping somebody out there may have had the same issue. It's been happening off and on for nearly seven years. I've changed the battery which seemed to solve it for a while, then it came back. Also refurbed the starter motor, which also seemed to fix it, then it came back. Had the earths checked and cleaned, which also helped for a while. But every time it comes back. Really frustrating because I can't trust the car enough to take it anywhere.

 

I could not get your file to open to be able to see and hear what happens. I had what may have been a similar issue with my 2002 XKR. Key in the on position, all lights and systems passed, but turn to start and absolute silence, tried to shift to neutral to try again but shift interlock would not release. In my case, the security module was not recognizing the key chip. I found that disconnecting and reconnecting the battery would allow the car to start. That being said, I knew I had water damage to the module and this was one of many failures before I was able to source a replacement. You might try disconnecting the battery next time this happens and see if it makes any difference. If so you may want to look at the security module.

 

A DTC of P1260 will indicate that the key is NOT recognized.
Check the ECM for possible code(s) of this nature or a CAN bus fault??

 

Ok thanks, I'll give that a try.