The DeLorean Owners Club UK Forum

Hi guys.
I hope someone can help. I just don't know what to do anymore. My D has been off the road for over a month now because it decided it wasn't going to start when I was about 30 miles from home. The AA brought the car home for me but I haven't had much opportunity to have it checked out.
That day the car started fine. I got to my destination fine but two hours later when I came to start it back up again, it just clicked. You can hear the fuel pump kick in and two relays click through the turning of the ignition, but where the starter is supposed to turn - all the lights on the dash go out.
The fuse box had a very badly melted 30Amp fuse (including the holder) which i replaced but it hasn't had any effect. I still get the same result.
I can't see anything else that it could be apart from the starter itself.
Anyone have any ideas?

Cheers.

It's the "all the dash lights go out" comment that's puzzling. I'm wondering if it's an ignition barrel issue. It should keep the ignition relay alive and turn the accessories relay off when cranking (so if you have a dodgy starter, you still hear the "clunk" of the accessories relay switching off), but this does not explain the dash lights going out. I

I'd have a go at leaving the key in position 2 and jumping the starter relay to crank the engine.

Hmmm. Cheers Martin. I'll go and try that. I'll also check the barrel. I had an addition wire coming from the ignition barrel for the remote on the amplifier. Wonder if that's worked loose causing a short.

My apollogies. The center console lights go out. not the dash.
I've not bypassed the relay yet as I don't know what the wiring is yet.
I started looking around for a starter relay schematic and stumbled upon this....
Possible reason?

Yes the console lights will go out as they come off the auxiliary relay. Try jumping the starter relay (and the mod above should be performed but shouldn't cause a problem with a full battery). Could just be a bad starter. New ones from Renault are very good value and much more powerful than the original DeLorean ones.

Thanks Martin. I tried bypassing the relay but it had no effect at all.
I'll get the multimeter out this weekend and attempt to solve it with a bit more time on my hands.
It could all do with a total rewire looking at the state of this.
I'll post some pictures and info when I've sorted it. . . . .......Touch wood.

do you want to see if a few of us can get up over the weekend and give
you a hand? Not sure if 'the boys' are up to owt or not, but you never know....

It would be awesome yes. I will be away from this Saturday in the evening and all day Sunday, but any other Saturday/Sunday would be cool yes. Thanks.
I'll keep you all watered and fed if you decide to show. Plenty of DeLorean parking up here if you decide to bring 'em too.
Besides, it gives me a good excuse to get all Catherines crap out of my garage!

It would really be nice to see the gang again.

ok chap, shall we try and organise something for next Saturday?

I can bring my De if you need a comparison (although mines not an auto),
or we can just come up in the Avi/Cav/Omega.

Will see if RichH is free too

Just been chatting with Rich and he's up for Saturday!
It would be nice to see another D or two on the street.

Better get the sweeping brush out then!

Looking forward to seeing you all.

okey dokes, I know Rich will probably come along in his car,
might drag Flopsy out too before the tax runs out, or we might
come along in the Miggy.

PM me your address and what time you want us all to descend on
you on Saturday

Sent

sorted mate, seeya Saturday afternoon, get that kettle ready

had a really nice day at Paul's yesterday, with the end result being that #981 now starts

Couple of piccies:















Thanks to Paul and Catherine for their hospitality yesterday, and laying on an
excellent spread for lunch

Don't keep us in suspenders... what was the problem?