20 amp fuse at ECU blowing

[colintinto]

Hi all,

For the second time my S2 has blown the 20 amp fuse found next to the ECU - the one in the middle of the 3 fuses.

This means everything seems fine except when you try to start there is nothing, not even a click.

This time, car had been sitting for 2 weeks or so on a trickle charger. Tried to start this morning and just got a click. Tried again and nothing, so click must have blown it.

Suspected what it was, so checked to find the blown fuse tonight. Replaced, then tried again. Click, no start. Same again. So ignition right off, back on, and it started first time.

Battery was showing about 12.5 volts under the load of all the lights on.

Last time would have been similar circumstances.

Any ideas?

Colin

[robin]

Hi Colin,

I would guess it's the starter solenoid that's causing the problem, though I don't have an exact idea of what the solenoid could be doing to use too much current? Anyway, I would budget on a new starter - woody is breaking the VVC MGF - he might have the starter off it?

Cheers,
Robin

[colintinto]

So today, every time I've started it, it will just click, not turn over. Then the next time it clicks, turns over and starts.

Not sure if the battery is just a wee bit low (although why would it start second time easily?) or if there is perhaps something dodgy going on with the starter motor/solenoid.

It's almost as if the engine is 'tightening up' after leaving it for a while, and the starter isn't quite strong enough to turn it over.

I know that doesn't make sense, just what it feels like

Colin

[Dominic]

I'm no expert,... but, might it have been a stuck started motor, that has now freed itself?; will be okay if used regularly, but might stick again if left for a while, or may never stick again...

[robin]

Hi Colin,

I would guess it's the starter solenoid that's causing the problem, though I don't have an exact idea of what the solenoid could be doing to use too much current? Anyway, I would budget on a new starter - woody is breaking the VVC MGF - he might have the starter off it?

Cheers,
Robin

I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave to the house earlier today ...