Landcruiser starting weird prob

[physh]

Hi guys,

Got a slight prob with my 2002 FZJ105R GXL auto cruiser.

Since just last week, after idling for about 1 hour (only thing I can think of), the following weirdness is occurring.

When I go to start the car, about 60% of the time, the key turns and nothing happens for between 2-5 seconds, then it cranks and it starts straight away.

It's weird because all accessories go off (as it does when starting) and yet the starter doesn't kick for a few seconds.



I have dual batteries (TJM IBS system) with two brand new batteries showing full charge, linking doesn't stop it happening.

In the back I have an Engel 40L, out of the accessories in the front just a GPS and cheapass DVD player for the kids.


I checked the earths (from the two batteries), loosened, WD40'd and tightened them but no change to the behaviour.

Alternator is putting charging in at 13.4V, both batteries at rest show 12.7 - 12.9V on a multimeter (as they should, they're brand new).


I dunno where to look next - the starter seems fine, the motor runs smoothly and starts when it kicks, but it just doesn't seem to want to kick straight away!

Any ideas?

Cheers
Nick

[bazooked]

ok 4 starters ur charge rate should be around the 14 volt mark with the lights on!, as for the rest i dont no.......

[chimpboy]

Is there any click to be heard at all?

It sounds like the starter relay to me, especially if you don't even hear a click when you first turn the key.

Failing that, the starter motor solenoid.

Those are the two I'd start with, anyway.

I agree with bazooked that your alternator sounds a bit low on amps but if that's at idle it is not that bad.

[physh]

Yeah that's at idle with lights on and all my accessories on (fridge etc as above).

When I turn the key, no sound or anything for a few seconds, then click, crank, start.

How can I check the relays are ok?

[chimpboy]

Yeah that's at idle with lights on and all my accessories on (fridge etc as above).

When I turn the key, no sound or anything for a few seconds, then click, crank, start.

How can I check the relays are ok?

Normally there's just the one starter relay. I'm sorry I don't know where it is on your vehicle, probably on the firewall or one side of the engine bay. With that kind of fault it would be hard to test, one thing you can do is hold the key in the "start" position and tap the relay, if that helps then you're getting somewhere. It could possibly be the wiring to the relay too, but relays do fail and one way they fail is by being "sticky". If it's a standard sort of relay you could just unplug it and plug in another one. Depends what kind it is!

[physh]

I'll take it to the sparky and tell em to check the relay...
JUst hope it's not the alternator, as they're between $400 and $1000!!!

[-Scott-]

I doubt it's the alternator - I think chimpboy's close to the mark, but if the "click" is audible (when it does come) I'd lean towards the solenoid on the starter motor itself - I'd say is full of crap, and not moving freely when it's warm.

The relay chimpboy is talking about is probably under the bonnet, tucked away inside a plastic box of some description - so you may not be able to hear that from the driver's seat. You could try sticking your head under the bonnet while somebody else turns the key.

Good luck,

Scott