Possible immobiliser problem

YorksMG2013 · 20th October 2021, 07:39

Morning all

My ZT has started exhibiting an intermittent fault where you turn the ignition key to position 1 - you have display and electrics. You turn again to start the engine and nothing. Not even a click from the starter motor. Does it 3-4 times and then usually it will fire. So I have power but the car won't start.
Does this sound like an immobiliser problem, or something else?

Thanks

Andrew

SD1too · 20th October 2021, 08:03

Hello Andrew,

It's more likely that your starter solenoid isn't engaging. Begin by checking the connection for cleanliness. A multimeter will confirm that 12v is reaching the terminal in which case all you'll need is a contacts and plunger repair kit (about £20).

There's a thread running at the moment on exactly this subject and Arctic has posted his usual excellent photographs showing what to expect.

Simon

PS By the way, is this your ZT 190 or your ZT 260?

YorksMG2013 · 20th October 2021, 10:42

Thanks Simon, it's my 190

Andrew

20th October 2021, 07:39	#1
YorksMG2013 Gets stuck in MG ZT 190 SE & MG ZT 260 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leeds Posts: 854 Thanks: 95 Thanked 119 Times in 65 Posts	Possible immobiliser problem Morning all My ZT has started exhibiting an intermittent fault where you turn the ignition key to position 1 - you have display and electrics. You turn again to start the engine and nothing. Not even a click from the starter motor. Does it 3-4 times and then usually it will fire. So I have power but the car won't start. Does this sound like an immobiliser problem, or something else? Thanks Andrew __________________ Proud owner of a Pearl Black facelift ZT 190 SE (or should that be the 'Black Pearl'? Just call me Cap'n Jack!) Now joined by the Blue Beast - MG ZT 260 #57 in Trophy Blue

20th October 2021, 08:03	#2
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,394 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	Hello Andrew, It's more likely that your starter solenoid isn't engaging. Begin by checking the connection for cleanliness. A multimeter will confirm that 12v is reaching the terminal in which case all you'll need is a contacts and plunger repair kit (about £20). There's a thread running at the moment on exactly this subject and Arctic has posted his usual excellent photographs showing what to expect. Simon PS By the way, is this your ZT 190 or your ZT 260? __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce.

20th October 2021, 10:42	#3
YorksMG2013 Gets stuck in MG ZT 190 SE & MG ZT 260 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leeds Posts: 854 Thanks: 95 Thanked 119 Times in 65 Posts	Intermittent non starting Thanks Simon, it's my 190 Andrew __________________ Proud owner of a Pearl Black facelift ZT 190 SE (or should that be the 'Black Pearl'? Just call me Cap'n Jack!) Now joined by the Blue Beast - MG ZT 260 #57 in Trophy Blue