Mg f won t start
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Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Mg f won t start
Hi all.
Had a quick search of starting issues and can't find result matching my issue.
Out in car over weekend 300 odd miles no issues. Came home Saturday night and parked up. went out today (monday) to nip over bristol. Opened car, got in, turned key. All lights light up then nothing....... Slight humming whirring noise for a second of two from rear of car but nadda.
Car not turning over or anything. Checked battery and fully charged, alarm immobiliser seem to work fine not starter as far just dead......
Any ideas anyone? Now stranded as my only working car...... Til today!
Had a quick search of starting issues and can't find result matching my issue.
Out in car over weekend 300 odd miles no issues. Came home Saturday night and parked up. went out today (monday) to nip over bristol. Opened car, got in, turned key. All lights light up then nothing....... Slight humming whirring noise for a second of two from rear of car but nadda.
Car not turning over or anything. Checked battery and fully charged, alarm immobiliser seem to work fine not starter as far just dead......
Any ideas anyone? Now stranded as my only working car...... Til today!
Re: Mg f won t start
Forgot to add its an x reg f. Never had any starting issue before this.
- Steve White
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Re: Mg f won t start
Had something very similar happen on my TF, so good chance its the same issue.
I had driven 10 miles and turned the engine off. When I tried to restart 10-15 mins later and the dash lights all came on, and I heard the fuel pump start, but it didn't even attempt to turn over.
AA came out diagnosed a stuck solenoid on the start motor, and we push started the car and got it the remaining 2 miles home.
Fortunately mine is a second car so I fitted a new starter motor the following weekend, but I have heard of people successfully freeing the solenoid by removing the engine cover and giving the starter hit/tap with something solid (hammer, mallet or even the end of a broom handle).
Its not a long term solution though and you will likely find the issue reoccurs with increasing frequency and at the least convenient moments.
I had driven 10 miles and turned the engine off. When I tried to restart 10-15 mins later and the dash lights all came on, and I heard the fuel pump start, but it didn't even attempt to turn over.
AA came out diagnosed a stuck solenoid on the start motor, and we push started the car and got it the remaining 2 miles home.
Fortunately mine is a second car so I fitted a new starter motor the following weekend, but I have heard of people successfully freeing the solenoid by removing the engine cover and giving the starter hit/tap with something solid (hammer, mallet or even the end of a broom handle).
Its not a long term solution though and you will likely find the issue reoccurs with increasing frequency and at the least convenient moments.
Re: Mg f won t start
Well it's worth a try. Once i can find the damn starter motor...lol will give it a go in the morning. Cheers.
- Reckless Rat
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Re: Mg f won t start
Put the car in 4th gear, let the handbrake off and rock it backwards & forwards. You'll struggle getting anywhere near the starter motor to whack it with a hammer and will likely damage something if you try.
- talkingcars
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Re: Mg f won t start
First port of call is the low tension lead to the starter, pull the lead off and put it back on.
It is a common problem, I've had it on several K series cars over the years.
If it then starts simple replace the terminal on the wire.
It is a common problem, I've had it on several K series cars over the years.
If it then starts simple replace the terminal on the wire.
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- Charless
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Re: Mg f won t start
It might also be corrosion build up on the starter solenoid spade connector. This can be reached by hand if you remove the wire grille from the boot; move the connector back and forth a bit to make electrical contact again. Grip the terminal not the wire or it will probably come off in your hand! It sounds like either Steve's suggestion or this - both are quick and easy.
My high mileage F had this problem when I stopped for fuel on a filthy cold wet night about ten years back, but never since - and that is many miles!
My high mileage F had this problem when I stopped for fuel on a filthy cold wet night about ten years back, but never since - and that is many miles!
Re: Mg f won t start
Guessing starter air filter side. Will i need to remove air filter box to gain access as to business had wife grill off in boot and can not see starter or any words Going to it...... I'm used to an engine i can see...lol
- Charless
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Re: Mg f won t start
Use a torch, it is quite central.
- RobboMC
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Re: Mg f won t start
The best way to get a look at the starter motor is to:
1) remove the air trunking between the air filter and the inlet manifold.( yes this required removing the engine bay hatch )
2) unhook the charcoal canister, unclip the wiring connector only and move it aside without disconnecting any of the pipes.
By doing both these things you can get a look and your hands down in there. A good small torch is also helpful.
Check the low tension feed to the starter with an electrical meter, they can look fine and be broken inside the insulation.
Mine broken inside and it took many hours of searching to find the break.
1) remove the air trunking between the air filter and the inlet manifold.( yes this required removing the engine bay hatch )
2) unhook the charcoal canister, unclip the wiring connector only and move it aside without disconnecting any of the pipes.
By doing both these things you can get a look and your hands down in there. A good small torch is also helpful.
Check the low tension feed to the starter with an electrical meter, they can look fine and be broken inside the insulation.
Mine broken inside and it took many hours of searching to find the break.
Re: Mg f won t start
Found starter. Was staring me in the face.! Lol tapped solenoid wiggled wires and back on the road! So bit of emery work on the weekend i think.
Cheers folks.
All help spot on and much appreciated !
Cheers folks.
All help spot on and much appreciated !
Last edited by Tr7s-too on Thu Oct 25, 2018 5:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- talkingcars
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Re: Mg f won t start
Pleased it's running again.
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Re: Mg f won t start
Me too it's my daily driver. Home from work tonight roof down rainbow on.....
Re: Mg f won t start
The band not George and zippy...