Starting problem 1.8t
 

Hi twice over the last couple of days my 1.8t has failed to start but has done so after a couple of minutes or so. No power seems to have got through to the starter -no clicks or attempts for the starter to turn over - so it looks like the problem is with the ignition system. Has anyone come across this please and what is the likely cure? Must say that apart from that at 110,000 miles the car's running magnificently.

Clean the spade terminal on the starter, and then keep your fingers crossed.

Regards

Starting problem 1.8t
 

Many thanks. Will try that!

Starting problem 1.8t
 

A Rover guru advised me to replace the black plastic control box at the end of the key cylinder and so far that's cured the problem! Cost for the unit £15 - Trouble is many garages refuse to fit used parts so I see that as a growing problem in the future.

Which bit is that - in my 6 years i have had 2 non starts - 1. crank sensor failing and 2. spade terminal tacky - so if there is another potential cause.

Difficult starting 1.8t
 

It's the plastic mechanism bolted to the end of the ignition barrel and I bought separately from Amazon spares in James Street so that a it was a easier to fit and b did not need key replacement. I am told that is a fairly common cause of power not getting from the ignition switch to the starter motor.

Hmm I reckon you will have to do the spade connector clean, I think the receiver coil will be a red herring, I have never known one of these fail (So much so I binned about a hundred as no one was interested in them)

Amazon on James St are a good source of spares but don't always give the correct diagnosis ;)