Often, with the clutch depressed, turning the key won’t start the car. Dash lights come on but that’s it. However, it seems that if I release the clutch, depress it and then turn the key again, the car will usually start. Have replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor with a Bosch unit and resoldered the relay control module terminals (they appeared to be ok - resoldered just to make sure). Neither of these things seem to fix the problem. Also, the key frequently locks up and won’t turn at all until you work it back and forth. Any ideas?

 

Maybe this...
key fix

 

Do yourself a favor and perform the "Sticky Ignition Key Fix" right away, before it gets any worse. Your car is giving you a fair warning - soon, you could stop at a gas station and end up calling a tow truck like I did!

Fix it now.

THEN, you can work on the no crank/no start problem. But FIX THAT IGNITION NOW or you will be sorry (once it "goes", it's hard to take apart. Fix it now, while you can.)

 

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll try it. Will this cure the no start after the key is turned?

 

That sounds like crackshaft position sensor.. even if you changed it the one you replaced the original one with might be malfunctioning too.. Check the battery too.

 

Since you have a stick it could be the clutch sensor... that may be why it works when you depress/release/depress the clutch it works.... just my .02 ....

 

The Clutch needs to be fully depressed (before turning the Key), and I mean fully depressed, in order to engage the Start sequence.

That means somewhere on that Clutch Pedal assembly there is a switch that physically engages to inform the electronics to move forward and start the engine.

It might be as simple as a bad/intermittant switch, or an adjustment.

Couldn't hurt to look in that area, while moving on to the "Ignition Key Fix"...


*** Just realized that MikeR beat me to the punch on the Clutch Sensor...But it couldn't hurt to hear it twice...lol... ***

 

Thanks to both of you I will check out the clutch pedal position switch. That is the only switch I find on the Clutch in the manual.

 

I had both problems as well, except I let the key problem go too long and ended up calling for a tow...I definitely recommend getting that fixed. As for the clutch pedal switch. You have to take two panels off to get to it, but it is easy to get to...just uncomfortable. Mine was actually loose, so I twisted it a bit and it worked fine. I still think mine needs replaced though, so if you find a place that sells them let me know.

 

I've said this before but my 2004 Manual Roadster does not need the clutch pressing to start - perhaps just a UK thing?

 

Yup, no requirement for a clutch /starter interlock in the UK