Voltage dropped to about 8V so will try again tomorrow. Should be plenty of charge in battery, just checked my charger and it should fill the battery up in 24 hours so forget last question.

Pump is running ok. It only started up once when I was parked back up after breakdown brought it back. I'll try to check voltage while cranking but won't be easy on my own and my voltmeter just has points rather than crocodile clips so I need to hold them against the terminals. I know I've just...

Thanks. The problem with the shorting is solved but now engine still won't start with starter motor going. Its not lack of fuel although it was pretty low I have topped it up and primed it in case of any air in system. Can't check for damp connectors under bonnet at moment cos its p***ing...

Cheers for that, I've cleaned up this fusebox and I'll give it a try in the morning after the battery has charged up overnight. Glad you told me about leaving it for 5 mins. The shortings will explain why the radio came on oni its own a couple of weeks ago while it was sat on the drive.

Well before I could even access C0588 to remove it, it became apparent there was water damage in the in-car fuse box so while i try to source a replacement, thankfully a lot cheaper than a new ignition, I need to clean up the crud on the multiplugs. What is the best method to do this?

Thanks every one, water ingress is a definite possibilty in this thing. There's a couple of local breakers that deal with discos will call them later. I'll do the C0588 test first to see which one I need.

It didn't stop when I removed F23

Ok across which points do I need to check voltage?

Thanks for that. Tried taking out F23 while it was trying to start in position 2 and it carried on. Hope I don't have to change ignition just got a quote of £215+VAT for new genuine ignition with 2 keys one with fob.

Before I go to the expense of buying a new ignition switch, I tried starting with R2 removed. Electrics came on in position 2 but not the starter and nothing when turn to position 3. So I can rule out faulty relay. Is there anything else I can do to help diagnose the problem?

Only had time to swap r2 & r3. It didn't start turning over until pos 3, but wouldn't start, that could be the battery. Turned back to pos 2 all dash lights were on az normal but then starter tried going on its own until battery warning came on. RAVE i spent 25 mins downloading only to find i...

Thanks for that I'll give it a try in the morning and let you know how I get on

I posted yesterday but doesn't appear to be here. I'll keep it brief Problem at the moment is this. When I try to start the engine the starter motor kicks in with the key in position 2 but it doesn't start and keeps trying even after turning ignition off. In the last few days it HAS...