So what could cause this?
I noticed it happens only when it's really cold. Turn the key and nothing happens. Wait a few seconds or try a few times it starts up no problem?
Battery reads full power. Wiring and earthing is probably as good as it can get.

Do you think it could be my starter motor?

WHOOPS! Can someone put this under
Maintenance and Repair pls?

When you say nothing happens? Nothing at all? What about the fuel pump?

I would move the thread but I have no idea how in the new version! Don't worry about it

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Moved for you Ray

If all the instrument lights stay on when you turn the key it's either a faulty ignition switch or more likely the quite common starter solenoid fault
The only way to know for sure is to run a temporary test lamp between the solenoid energiser connection (small spade type connector) and ground and see of that light comes on but the starter doesn't engage

If it's starter motor at fault, you generally get a click.

Other possibility is an immobiliser fault. They usually have at least 2 relays wired into 2 (or more) of starter / fuel pump / ignition. It's quite common for one relay to fail as they normally use very small relays. (The failure is a 'burnt' contact which makes poor connection, slowly getting worse.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

hmmm... well I wouldnt say nothjng at all.
my fuel pump is too quiet and I can never hear it. But when I turn the key to power on all the lights come on and I can hear a tak tak tak noise. Then when I turn the key to start all the lights dim and no sound.
But then after a few tries, it starts on first click. ? ??

mine did this but was a earth that culdnt handle the power lead cost £8 so cheap fix would look at that first as the rest can be costly

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sketch

I already thought mine was a bitnof overkill but Ill check it again tomorrow.

If all the lights dim then the starter is drawing power.

Sounds like starter sticking.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Check the power connections, specifically at the battery terminal, as well as the grounds but it does sound like the starter going bad

One question, should have been my first really....
Where is the battery?

Where the ABS would had been if I had one. Its not a long relocation and all earthed to the stock points.
This morning it started perfectly.
I have very good battery terminals and I've taken them off for a clean today and I've changed a cable back to the stock cable.
I'll see if it's any better over the next few mornings.

So this mornings start up was some what a bit groggy.
Turned key and dash lights went off and nothing then one second after it ticks over a few time and then starts but when it starts I can hear the engine combustion starts off slow then speeds up to normal idle speed.

If dash lights go off, I'd suspect a bad connection onto the battery.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Bit of a hi-jack but this is exactly the same issue I get. Never been able to find anyone who knew about it unfortunately though, so this is great. I will examine the battery terminals and see how it goes. Thanks!

I know this may sound stupid, but try a new battery. I had some weird goings on with starting my car, and after changing battery it starts first time.

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1998 ford st24, 186hp 2.5 v6- sold
1997 bmw e36 318ti, mint hellrot red- sold
1992 celica gt4 st185- td04 340hp/330lbs
1998 mercedes E280- sold
1998 pug 1.9 td- mile muncher!
1993 rx7 542hp savage monster!!
2007 BMW 335i- in the shop gettin built!!