forfour.co.uk

Forum => General Smart Chat => Topic started by: PaulMarshall on August 04, 2022, 07:22:19 AM

Title: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: PaulMarshall on August 04, 2022, 07:22:19 AM
Hi when i first turn ignition key noting happens but when i put foot on brake and hold it down i hear clicing noises,And after about 10 seconds i can start it. Can someone please help?
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: jmariog on August 04, 2022, 10:29:04 AM
See below always foot on break. Was going to add a screenshot from hand book but it got away. Foot on clutch foot on break ,then turn on engine.
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: CrazyG on August 04, 2022, 05:13:39 PM
Which model ForFour is it please ?
Is it a 454, or a 453 ?  (if unsure please give the year of manufacture)
Is it a manual or an AMT (Automated manual Transmission) ?

This is basic and necessary information so that people on the Forum can give
you the correct and most accurate advice.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: PaulMarshall on August 05, 2022, 08:05:04 AM
Thanks for the reply Im not sure Its the 1.3 model 2005.
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: PaulMarshall on August 05, 2022, 09:37:15 AM
Also its a AMT.
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: CrazyG on August 06, 2022, 11:18:13 AM
Thanks for that info...I have included that in your Profile (in the Signature box)..
it now shows on all your posts, both old + new.

Right, as for your original post...

The AMT is like any normal automatic in that to start the engine, the selector
must be in neutral, and your right foot on the brake pedal.
Key turned to position 1...not a lot happens, but you can turn on and use your radio.
Key turned to position 2...the dash lights up, and you get clicking and 'whirring' of relays etc
Key turned to position 3...starts the engine, and although it may seem like 10 seconds
                                       before it starts, it is usually about 2 seconds from the time you
                                       you insert the key, turning it to position 3, and the engine starting.
                  (If you try to time something, the clock appears to be really slow and takes ages)
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: PaulMarshall on August 07, 2022, 01:05:57 AM
Thanks for the reply CrazyG I have had this car for many years an never had to put foot on break to start it, An A always showed on dash telling me car was ready to start but now the A is only present after holding foot on break which feels more like 10 seconds than 4 waiting for which I would describe the gearbox trying to find neutral.
Cheers Paul
Title: Re: Trouble starting forfour
Post by: CrazyG on August 08, 2022, 11:16:25 AM
An 'A' on the display shows it is IN auto mode....
It must be in 'N'   neutral/no gear in order to start.

It has always been the case; for safety reasons; that any automatic or semi-auto MUST
be in either Neutral or Park before one can start the engine, combined with the brake pedal
being depressed.   As confirmation n this I have just tried this on my daughters 1.3 AMT 454 and
it will NOT start unless 'N' is showing AND the brake pedal depressed.

When was the last time the car was serviced...and was it connected to a Star diagnostics
(or a similar generic diagnostics that was/is able of adjusting the clutch and gearbox) ?
The clutch and gearbox should be checked AND adjusted every year on the Star (as part
of the normal service), to allow for any wear etc