RRC Starting Problem

Hi,

Vehicle electrics aren't my strong point, so I was wondering whether anyone could help me solve a starting problem on my RRC, 1984 3.5 V8 on carbs. My Range is a very basic lightweight model originally supplied to the Saudi military, so mechanically and electronically it is more like a '70s RRC than the later 1980s ones.

* The battery is new and charged

* Turning the ignition key one click will activate all electrical systems

* Turning the key to activate the stater will just produce a slight 'click', as if a switch, solenoid, or relay is engaging, or trying to engage

* No sound whatsoever comes from the stater motor at all

* The starter motor itself is new-ish (30,000 miles)

I've heard this could be a problem with a relay which is situated somewhere near the bulkhead.

My RRC is in pretty good nick all round, but its wiring is not its strongest point, and at some point the vehicle probebly needs rewiring. but for now I just want it working. I've found the following device that looks like it might have once been the relay, could this be it?




Can anyone think of any other causes of my starting problem?

I also found the following device stuck to the inner-wing by epoxy resin, and covered with blacktape:





It contains a solid state chip encased in some sort of gel for protection. What is it? It looks out of place in my Range, which has a very basic specification and so far as I know should contain not electronics at all bar those in the radio.

Any help much appreciated.

Mike Diboll, Bahrain

Process of elimination I'm afraid.

Check behind the ignition switch for any broken wires then check the starter is working by crawling under and connecting a lead from the battery direct to the positive terminal, although it's safer to take the starter off to do this in case it's in gear!! The starter solenoid will either be attached directly to the starter piggy back style or not far from it securely attached to the body. If the starter is working (you don't need to run it till the car starts, a quick burst is enough) then the problem is in the LT circuit. Thats basically the small wiring between the ignition switch and the coil. Someone has obviously had probs before with that thing which broken and stuck on with tape. It is the Ignition Module. You must have part electronic ignition for it to be there in any case even though there is a distributor etc. Check all spade connectors are clean and tight. The spades on the Module look like replacements in any case so further evidence of previous probs.

The small relay you are pointing out is a normal switching relay. This isn't big enough to work the starter motor but this is what will be supplying power to the system somewhere along the way. Check where the wires go from it as they may be for something different. Was the car running ok before or did you get it in its current state?

Hes right the thing with tape on is the ignition amplifier for electronic ignition, normally on the dizzys over here in the UK but you can buy kits to mount it remotly as the heat causes them to play up.

I am gussing over there in the desert heat there was doubt it would play up and it has been remotly mounted to keep it cool. Dont let any crap get in it, you need it!