V6 Vitara won't start when warm.

[churchill]

My V6 Vitara won't start once the engine's warmed up. It starts happily every time when its cold but when its warm it won't.

The vehicle is:
1997 Vitara V6 LWB
H25A engine
Auto tranmission
Air compressor fitted
All other electrics standard

I've got underneath and checked for 12V at the starter solenoid and there's nothing when it won't start. I think with that result I can rule out the starter motor. Somewhere in the system something is not allowing 12V to get to the starter solenoid. This has only happened since I've been 4x4ing, I usually get the underside pretty muddy and wet so I suspect it's something to do with that.

My first guess is the auto selector is saying its in gear thus not allowing me to start. What causes me to think this is that sometimes I put it in reverse and the reverse beeper won't start for 15 seconds leading me to believe that the switch is not working properly.

Has anyone had the same problem or know where the starter relay is (if one exists)?

[kernels]

Yep, starter relay was going to be my guess, probably has something to do with heat if your only having problems when the engine is hot. This points to the relay likely being under the bonnet somewhere.

[churchill]

Yeah, might just have to trace it back. It's hard to find any info the V6 models.

[lincooln]

When my car wouldn't start it turned out to be a loose connection on my alternator. It was fine when it was cold but just turned over when hot. Tightened it all up and that fixed it all. so check that too.

[churchill]

Will check that too.

[RUGARD]

Will check that too.

anyone know where the fuel filter is on them lol

[kernels]

Will check that too.

anyone know where the fuel filter is on them lol

At the back, near the tank.

[lincooln]

usually on the right hand side chassis rail, but on the inside. Easy enough to get too

[RUGARD]

usually on the right hand side chassis rail, but on the inside. Easy enough to get too

Any of you boys gotta picture lol? do you have to bleed the system of air after the change like a diesel one?

[kernels]

usually on the right hand side chassis rail, but on the inside. Easy enough to get too

Any of you boys gotta picture lol? do you have to bleed the system of air after the change like a diesel one?

If you jump underneath and look on the chassis rail near the fuel tank, beside the driver's side rear wheel you will see there is only really one thing that looks like a fuel filter. It's got one pipe in and one pipe out, about the size of a coke can. Nope, no need to bleed it once you change it, just be careful that you don't get petrol in your eyes or any crap in the fuel line while your changing it!

[churchill]

Well it looks like I found the problem after pulling the trans selector signal unit apart which by the way is a bitch of a job as the trans cooloer lines have to come off. It turns out that when I pulled the transmission out to replace the rear main seal I didn't plug the signal unit back into the loom properly hence the intermittant starting. When I pushed the two connectors together I could feel them closing athen I heard a "click". Car started straight away after that.

Thanks for your help.

[kernels]

Well it looks like I found the problem after pulling the trans selector signal unit apart which by the way is a bitch of a job as the trans cooloer lines have to come off. It turns out that when I pulled the transmission out to replace the rear main seal I didn't plug the signal unit back into the loom properly hence the intermittant starting. When I pushed the two connectors together I could feel them closing athen I heard a "click". Car started straight away after that.

Thanks for your help.

Nice one, good to get it sorted! You heading out to WH tomorrow ?

[lincooln]

I am going to Woodhill, my Suzuki will be covered in tinsel

[churchill]

I am going to Woodhill, my Suzuki will be covered in tinsel

lol, I think I saw you today, swb grey vit traveling around with other club trucks covered in tinsel?

I didn't check the forum last night, would've been keen to catch up!

[kernels]

Got any pics of your day out ? How did the zook go ?

[lincooln]

I am going to Woodhill, my Suzuki will be covered in tinsel

lol, I think I saw you today, swb grey vit traveling around with other club trucks covered in tinsel?

I didn't check the forum last night, would've been keen to catch up!

Yea that was me, and yea it was our Christmas run today and we had a BBQ at the end of Rimmers road. So a bloody good day out.

what were you in?


and kernels I put some photos up in daytime posting, but none of my zuk as I had no passenger for most of the day. My zuk went well, it stuttered in the first ten minutes but it came right and went all good all day. Bloody hell I need a lift and a locker. Rough as hell ride and next to no flex. Still I get more places than some bigger more expensive trucks

Oh and the best news is I didn't dent my new tank

[churchill]

I was in a silver LWB V6 Vit with black rims and was traveling with a silver SWB 70 series and a black LWB Vit 1600.

I didn't get many pics but got lots of footage.

[lincooln]

Oh yea, I know the ones. I know I usually get lots of videos, I made an effort though to get photos to put in my club magazine.

I will stop thread jacking this thread now

[churchill]

lol, no worries. Give me a yell next time you head out Lincooln

[lincooln]

will do churchill