My trusty car of four years has broken down for the first time tonight. It has been running fine with no starting issues. Pulled into car park tonight, returned ten minutes later and won’t start. Key dock seems fine, dash lights up as normal, press clutch pedal then start button. Lots of clicking noises from glove box area but starter doesn’t turn. I can hear fuel pump running. Tried with lights on etc and they all stay lit so not suspecting a battery issue, tried spare key and same. Assume immobiliser is working ok if fuel pump runs. It’s the basic s model so no info screen and no engine management light. Starter motor maybe? But what would all the clicking be.? Many thanks as always for your help.

Starter solenoid contacts possibly need replacing. Have a look at https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic37377.ht...d+contacts
The clicking is the electrical relays around the cockpit being energised.

Thanks boss Bob. Having looked into it a bit further I can confirm the key dock is working as it should but the steering isn’t locking after key removal. Not sure if this is due to the steering rack issues causing excess pressure on the steering wheel. Just another job to fix I guess unless I do a quick lash up and out it. I’m happy to purchase a new steering lock at nearly 300quid but I don’t know if it needs programming afterwards.

I know you say the steering isn’t locked but the clicking from where you say is what happens when the lock starts malfunctioning.

I think the lock has failed. As a stop gap I have ordered one of those emulators to see if that will revive its fortunes and test the theory that the lock has indeed failed. From there it’s down to the cost of replacing the lock itself and getting it reprogrammed to suit the car. No idea on that likely cost.

It sounds like the steering lock actuator isn't moving fully from locked to unlocked. It's a relatively easy fix, for someone with a bit of technical skill.

Unfortunately emulators won't necessarily work if the lock mechanism hasn't moved far enough to allow the electronic handshake to take place. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Gone.
2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE. Gone.
Audi A5 convertible, my daily driver.
1972 Hillman Avenger GT, the project.

Thank you for your thoughts. I’m not sure about the handshake to be honest, but I know you can hear the rear tank fuel pump when you press the start button, it just won’t crank. I don’t fancy having the steering lock not working, but can find limited info on how to fettle the unit and get it back working. I understand that a new one has to be coded in with specialist equipment so am trying to avoid that route if,possible. I work in engineering so any info on how to remove and refurbish the current unit would be gratefully received. Hoping the emulator will work short term to at least prove that the lock is the issue. I have no diagnostic equipment other than a very basic code reader although it’s something I am happy to invest in but again, on line views are very mixed as to what is best to buy. Again info on that is welcome as mine being poverty spec tells me nothing.

An emulator worked for me I never bothered replacing the lock.

For those that dont know, passenger fuse box behind glovebox fuse 23 is for the steering lock. It’s a 20amp fuse. I swapped mine tonight as it looked a bit burnt but still the same. What I did do was attempt to start the car again and as before all the clicking from the glovebox area as before. I held the start button for about 20:seconds while the clicking continued and then randomly the steering lock made its usual noise and it fired into life. Tried it multiple times since and the steering locks and unlocks as it should and car starts every time. Good to be back up and running and clearly lock related, but a little unnerving that I haven’t fixed a definitive fault and therefore may well return down the line. Next thing will be to try the emulator box when it arrives and see if that allows the car to override the system, then return to the locking as normal and leave the emulator in the glovebox for emergencies.

Just to update the car has started every single time and the the steering locks and unlocks exactly as it should…can I trust it not to happen again though. Emulator box arrived but haven’t used it. May just leave it in the car for emergencies.

Mine was working then not for ages before the lock finally packed up.