Taxi Driver Online

I have acquired a old Fairway taxi, it was running fine but abruptly one day the starter stopped working.

I have checked with a tester and there is power to the + and the earth seems good.
I also tried running a cable from the + on the battery to the solenoid terminal on the starter, but nothing happened.

Does anyone have advise as to whether my tests indicate a broken solenoid/starter?

I have checked the fuses under the dashboard and all look good, I could not find any other fuses under the bonnet to check.
My worry is that an after-market alarm / immobiliser has tripped in - but I thought my test with the wire direct to the solenoid would bypass any immobiliser (even if the engine would not actually fire).

Any advise appreciated.

Is your battery good ? Are you getting any sort of clicking ? If its auto have you tried moving the gear selector up and down,or try touching a screwdriver across the two terminals on the starter and see if it starts( no comeback if you lose yer fingers ! ) good luck

They aren't a huge job to remove,takes about fifteen minutes if you take the manifold off. Easy enough then to test it on the bench.

_________________
Selling Imperial tools for old cars.

The battery is good and when I turn on the key the yellow 'heating' light comes on for a couple of seconds.
It was starting previously, so I think the battery is OK.

I had not thought to put a screwdriver across the terminals - will try it tonight.

Hi there

So tonight I ran a wire from the starter + and - terminals. The starter ran, but not fast enough to engage the engine - I guess either the cable I used was not thick enough to give enough omph to the starter (or my flinching at the initial sparks!). Or maybe the solenoid engages a lever to push up the starter gear, as well as connecting the contacts?

Also, when I turn the key to try to start the engine, the dash lights do not dim.

So this clearly proves that the starter will turn, so the issue is either the solenoid, or an immobilizer.

Any tips on how to test the solenoid appreciated?

The wire might make the starter turn but never in a million years will it turn the engine because the solenoid has not engaged.
If you put twelve volts into the solenoid terminal and nothing happened it's knackered.

_________________
Selling Imperial tools for old cars.

Thanks Guys

I put 12v to the solenoid connection on the weekend and the engine turned! I had the key turned on and managed to get the engine started!

Still will not fire via the key though - I wonder if there is an immobiliser that has somehow kicked in - did the Fairway have an immobiliser as standard?

Not as standard i dont think but a lot have them,a common one was a black plug in type key.Usuall. Located under where the key is.Auto electrician maybe ?

Thanks - I found a black plug type of key in the cab, but could not find anywhere to plug it in!!

I will have another look tonight.

It will be under the ignition key more than likely,took mine out as they are prone to failing.Plus who in their right mind is gonna nick a fairway !!!

I don't recall LTI making a 4.7 fairway but some scroat from Blackpool may just nick it for parts

Sorry, I meant 2.7.

I think the easiest thing to do is to run a cable to the solenoid via a new 'start' button on the dash.

I had a good hunt around last night, I found a hole near the key which was the right size for the plug-thing - but nothing behind to plug it into. Maybe it is just a faulty ignition switch.

Check if 12 volts is getting to the solenoid when the key is turned,if it is the solenoid in knackered. If there isn't then try at the key switch if there is nothing there check for 12 volts into the switch.

_________________
Selling Imperial tools for old cars.