Argh - shouldn’t have touched it!

[Natty]

Hi All. Would really appreciate anyone’s time to help on this.

I’m in the process of doing some works to my mk5b 94 escort cabriolet.

Most things are going to plan, however.

I changed all the door key barrels, fuel cap and ignition barrel. All went well and I taped the old key to the immobiliser pats ring at the ignition. (I assume that was the right bit anyways?)

I’d arranged for an auto key guy that I use to come and reprogram the pats but was gonna have a wee wait. No great issue as the car was starting.

So I got busy taking out the dash cluster to Refurb it and replace some non working bulbs. Also was looking for a parasitic draw on the battery. So a couple of times I’d disconnected the battery to charge it/turn the car over. All of this whilst the dash was out. It turned over and fired a few days ago, then immediately after (10mins later) wouldn’t turn over never mind fire.

It’s all back together, I can hear something powering up in the engine compartment and dash lights all come on.  Now comes the moment I almost wish I hadn’t touched it!

anyone got any ideas or pointers where to start?

cheers

 

Edited March 8, 2023 by Natty
Spell error

[Vincygav]

Starter motor?

[Natty]

So, an update.

 

I tested the starter motor (in place) this morning. Battery feed ok, nothing from ignition feed.

 

so I thought I’d take the new ignition barrel back out, refit the old one complete with the pats ring sensor.

Still nothing. FFS!

So thought let’s look at the ignition switch at the opposite side to the ignition barrel. Gave it a wiggle and hey presto! Turns over and fires up! Something up with the switch. Not sure what but in the first instance gonna give it a little spray of contact cleaner.

I’ll update soon.

 

thanks for the suggestions guys.

[Natty]

Update a few weeks later….

so I ordered a new ignition switch, had to crimp and heat shrink onto the existing loom. All working now as it should and starts first turn of the key.

 

As an added bonus it looks like this was also causing a parasitic draw. According to a mechanic I know he says it’s a common fault for a parasitic draw.

thanks for all the suggestions.

Im one happy happy!