intermittent ignition switch

Hi chaps, help is reqd cos the 99 1.8 gl has developed an intermittent fault when i try to start it, sometimes when the key is turned fully to start nothing happens, the starter is not engaged, yet other times no problem the starter motor is engaged as it should! any ideas please?

RENRUT said:

Hi chaps, help is reqd cos the 99 1.8 gl has developed an intermittent fault when i try to start it, sometimes when the key is turned fully to start nothing happens, the starter is not engaged, yet other times no problem the starter motor is engaged as it should! any ideas please?

Click to expand...

Hi renut. . . .check out the starter solinoid [its fitted inside the starter] this is quite a common fault . . .also check you's got a good earth return on the engine. . . .er best er luck earthling

Having a similar prob, first check the spade connector at the back of the starter motor.
Pics to follow, have my starter in pieces at present, gonna have to admit defeat, pics to follow. checked Battery power 12.6V, earth to block 12.6V etc
well stumped???

Hi all
back of the ign switch is fault.
common problem only £12.50 at main agent.
hope this helps gaz

Well as promised:

Check the small spade connector beneath the red (+ve) wire, mine has some yellow tape around it, see below.

Not something I do for fun, splitting a starter motor and wiping every internal component clean, when reassembled and refitted, it was no better than before.

Have no fear

Went out to start the blastid thing this morning, nothing, not even a click.

Grabbed a tin of silicone spray lube, blasted the stuff into the breather hole at the end of the starter.


She cranked up at first turn of the key, three times in succession,

Dont use WD40 it's the work of the devil

nags100 said:

Hi all
back of the ign switch is fault.
common problem only £12.50 at main agent.
hope this helps gaz

Click to expand...

In my case I dont think it was the ignition connection,

do you have a part number?

Might be useful for future reference.

thanks for the tips, checked the starter contacts these seem to be ok, i`ve taken the cowls of the steering column and am going to get a new ignition switch from the stealers, i shall keep you informed of the outcome, thanks

job done!! got the new ignition switch £13.20 fitted this morning all seems well. Only took 3/4 of hour start to finish, Remove the cowling from steering column, unscrew the 2 small phillips scews on switch at the back of the steering lock, unplug the wiring connector, refit in reverse order, easy peasy. Part number for my `99 giving reg number & chassis number is YXB 100350 SWITCH ASSY IGNITION. Thanks again for your help guys.

where did you buy the ignition block for this price im been quoted 50 - 70 for one

Rimmers have the switch at £60. I have had this fault (haven't we all?) and I found that moving the column down slightly helped. Might have been wire tension causing a loose connection or maybe it'll come back. Will also try some silicone spray as well, can't hurt.

hi took ignition block off cleaned block and yellow relays now works perfect. worth a try before spending money