P38 4.6 starting

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fredzefisher

New Member
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26
Good morning all and please accept my apologies for going over what is possibly the most discussed thread topic but I can't find the topic showing my symptoms.

My P38 has a very temperamental starting issue. Some mornings it is fine but others not. I don't use it regularly, only during the winter months but it has been ongoing for some time now. Firstly my key failed and I had to order a new one from RR at exhorbitant cost. This worked fine if I recall but now every now and then I get a non cranking engine. Lights on the dash all come on as normal apart from the check engine but all windows are showing as not set in the messages. The starter cranks with external power. I have tried to sync the key but with no difference. I have also bought a sync mate but this does not make a difference either. I have changed fuseboxes as well and had RR diagnostics coming uo with nothing out of the ordinary.
The most annoying thing is that I can bet tomorrow it will start fine!
I don't know if it is a damp or cold issue or becm or ecu issue but it is not going to be worth the cost of replacing the latters. If it is a loose connection, where do I look?

Many thanks and apologies again for going over old ground
 
one thing to check is the lead from the battery to the starter they corrode internally mine had worth going to a factors and getting another lead about 6 quid and put it on as well as the original might do the trick
 
Hi
I have the starter rigged up to the battery to bypass the key but it is fine so this is not the issue - I think it is something to do with the messages from the becm (lack of check engine light) or perhaps the fusebox.. but can't get my head around the intermittency
Thanks
 
fredzefisher said:
but all windows are showing as not set in the messages
Click to expand...

To get this fault you've lost battery power to the BECM at some point.
Start at the battery and, not forgetting the earths, check fusebox (smells or signs of burning) and BECM (damp or staining anywhere under the seat).
 
Aaaaaaargh!!!!!
Get in it just now and turn the key whilst going through the selector box and hey presto.. it starts. Does this narrow it down to a selector relay problem? I am sure over the time I have had the issue, I have tried this with no success.... I would say I hate bl***y RRs but I don't!!
 
Thanks for your reply dogsbody - the battery is disconnected most of the time as there is an enormous battery drain somewhere which flattens the battery within a week of non use so I have the battery terminal off when not in use
 
Not if, as you say, you're missing your engine check light.
As for your battery drain have you tried disconnecting the remote RF unit. LOADS of info on here about this. Put simply, outside radio signals operate your alarm/remote, keep your BECM awake and can even cycle your door locks to destruction.
 
Thanks Dogsbody
Found it .. 1 blue terminal, 1 red/black. Do I disconnect both....and what will I not be able to do once disconnected
Thanks
 
Tahnks for the replies

I have the rf unit uncovered. do i disconnect both blue and red/black terminals and what will I not be able to do once done ( apart from greatly increased battery life!!)
 
Just the blue as this the aerial lead.

The unit still needs power for the system to work.

Remember that with the aerial disconnected the range of the remote will be a lot less, but should stop it from picking up spurious signals.
 
Brilliant... thanks for everyone for their help - (I did disconnect both but worked out fairly quickly that this was not the way forward)...now I've just got to sort the non cranking and I have a great P38... apart from the slipped liner and the 2l of water needed every day!!!
 
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