Strange ignition problem Options

[Quidam]

So I love my new GT4, far more than I thought I would when I first bought it. No longer a daily driver (as my first intention) it now shares duties evenly with my beloved MX5

But this morning when I tried to fire the car up, all I got was a single "clump" noise. First thought, maybe the battery is almost dead -but the battery was fine. (all electrics running without issue) Tried again and it fired up fine. So I killed the engine and tried again, same issue -a single little "clump" then nothing. And again and again. Finally it decided to fire up.

Strange thing is when it does ignite, it does it brilliantly without any struggle or delay.

I realise with every question like this I demonstrate my ignorance of all things mechanical, but that's why I'm asking -I really haven't a clue as to what this could be. Spark Plugs? I have dropped the car off this morning at my local mechanics and have asked them to investigate, but I'm betting it probably won't even fail for them (Murphy's Law) and am interested in anyones thoughts

Cheers
b

[solidxsnake]

I'd say starter solenoid. I had the exact same problem with my starter several months back. Turning the key at times would lead to a loud click, but the engine would not crank. Every so often, it would take 10-30 turns of the key to the START position to get the starter solenoid to engage properly and crank the engine.

The fix was roughly $30 worth of parts and maybe an hour or two of dis-assembly, cleaning, and reassembly. Keep in mind this was with me on a 7A-FE engine with what seemed to be seized bolts. The starter is buried under the intake manifold on the 7A and is a bitch to get at. Not sure about the 3S-GTE.

Either way, I'd replace the starter solenoid contacts before buying any other part. They're cheap. At the very least, pull the starter and check the contacts before buying them. Put up pics if you can and we can look at them.

[Quidam]

I'd say starter solenoid. I had the exact same problem with my starter several months back. Turning the key at times would lead to a loud click, but the engine would not crank. Every so often, it would take 10-30 turns of the key to the START position to get the starter solenoid to engage properly and crank the engine.

The fix was roughly $30 worth of parts and maybe an hour or two of dis-assembly, cleaning, and reassembly. Keep in mind this was with me on a 7A-FE engine with what seemed to be seized bolts. The starter is buried under the intake manifold on the 7A and is a bitch to get at. Not sure about the 3S-GTE.

Either way, I'd replace the starter solenoid contacts before buying any other part. They're cheap. At the very least, pull the starter and check the contacts before buying them. Put up pics if you can and we can look at them.

Ahh, thanks for this, that sounds very plausible as the symptoms you are describing sound exactly the same as mine. Well anyway the dealership has agreed to fix this problem free of charge, the only thing is, they don't yet know what the problem is. I will call them tomorrow and mention the Starter Solenoid as a definate possibility.

ps. I've been given one of their yard cars to drive in, a stinky Subaru Imprezza with auto transmission -Yuk
pps. call me paranoid but I'll be very upset if my brand new 18inch mags have any curbing on them when I get the car back