I had issues about 2+ weeks ago with an intermittent no start problem. Turn on the key and everything lights up, fuel pump clicks, the works. go to start and nothing happens. However it did make a noise. Not a clicking, but more of a fast electrical hissing sound.

I was getting lean codes due to leaking part breather hose, so I changed that. The no start issue went away and I wrote it off to some weird lockout due to the check engine light being on all the time. (I once got it to start by clearing the check engine light & codes).

Now it's back. Same issue, same noise. There is an audio file here. Sound starts at 0:11 and again after the system check stops.
It has new battery, I have checked all the recommended grounds (except the transmission ground) and switched the usual fuse/relays.

Is it a British version of a bad solenoid clicking? I assume that means starter since I understand they are one piece on these cars. Any help or suggestions welcome.

 

I listened a few times but it doesn't sound familiar. You mentioned you got it to start once after clearing codes, I know u're one of the informed guys but I take it there are no codes.. I'd check the output on this with a meter,
power via Fuse 3 (25A) in the engine management fusebox, is supplied to the pull-in winding of the starter solenoid and see if you're getting juice to the starter solenoid and if so then it might be time to drop the starter (no easy task

 

Not sure about the noise but this no start procedure should help.

Link to No Start JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

I hear a brief 'fish frying' sound at 00:11, then more at 00:15-00:18. Is this the noise you mean?

I have heard this sound caused by a poor battery terminal contact; since this is in the trunk/boot it's probably not that as you wouldn't hear it, but it could be a poor connection to the starter itself. Depends where you had the microphone. I'd check out connections around the starter itself if you haven't already. You say new battery - are the terminals nipped up properly?

Ignition-on seems to be OK, only when you put the load on by activating the starter.

Hope this helps,
Mike


P.S. It's awful dark in your garage

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry for the delay in responding. It's been a day.

It is indeed the "fish frying" sound. It does sound like some electrical contact issue. I used my phone and it was in the engine bay laying on the airbox. I laid it face down which is why the video was dark.

I checked all the suggested connections and they're OK. There are no codes or dash light error messages.

Gus, thanks for the link, but way ahead of you. Your wonderful site is one of the first places I go when I get stumped. Which seems to be too often these days.

I was unable to work on it today, and next week is out of the question due to work commitments. I have a AAA tow that I will use to get it in tomorrow. Can't get it out to motorcarman (too far), but there is a local mechanic that has worked on other cars for me that I trust nearby.

I will repost when diagnosed.

 

I'm leaning toward either starter or the connections leading to it. Was not able to get underneath and check for sure.

 

It was indeed the starter. Guess that noise was the solenoid not being able to kick in the starter itself?

Could not find a rebuilt unit in time, so went with a new Bosch that was available locally.

So far, starts every time.

 

Good job. How much did you pay for the new Bosch starter?

 

You mean overpaid? It was $439 plus tax for the starter. That's the problem with not being able to wait on one to be shipped to you. You can buy rebuilt ones all day from $150-$200.

In any event, she's back on the road and life is good again.

 

Ouch!

 

With Nippon Denso there have been problems with the solenoid on the starter motor. Solenoid clicks/sparks but does not energise the motor itself. Can be intermittant.

See here:Technical Information - RepairkitsUK | Starter Motor Repair Kits | Don't Buy a New Start Motor - Repair It

Might be worth checking over the old starter and possibly repair as spare

 

i would, but they kept the old starter. Probably turned it in for an extra core fee.