Ghosts in the machine

[keano]

OK, I purchased a spare legnum just before Christmas. And I'm probably looking at restoring /repairing it and using that as my car.
Now, previous owner had told me the windows sometimes had a mind of their own.
Now as soon as I connect the battery, all the windows have a mind of their own and the central locking just constantly twitches. Locks,unlocks etc etc. It had a Clifford alarm and responds to the fob but still just carries on twitching. And now won't start. Won't even turn over (assume that's immobiliser related?).
Problem occurs in the wet or dry, can't see any visible leaks into any electrics. And happens with ignition on or off, keys in or out.
The car is a 1997 so pfl and had a bump to the rear. All I've done since receiving the car is try to straighten the tailgate as the catch wasn't locating properly and hence triggering the alarm and interior light.
Could I have dislodged a sensor /switch in the tailgate?
Cars not in use at the min but I want to start moving through the problems.
Long 1 but thanks in advance.
Cheers
Danny

[Nick Mann]

I can't see why the catch on the tailgate should have any effect on the windows? As far as I know all the above goes through the ETACS unit, basically where all the fuses are mounted behind the coin tray. It could be worth having a good play with the cables there?

[keano]

Ah yes. Had to replace that on my current legnum. Forgot about that. I'll check there. Cheers. This is the legnum that the elusive brembos are/were for. Lol.
Thanks
Danny

[keano]

So, update. Bypassed the clifford immobiliser. By tracing the ignition wires from the barrel. There were 2 wires cut and joined to the immobiliser and then back into the standard loom. So I just bypassed the immobiliser. Still won't start. Tried a known working starter relay ( 1 next to the battery). Still not starting.
Batteries good, starter worked last time it, erm, started. 12 months ago.
When I turn the key, ignition comes on, dash lights etc. Then when I turn the key to crank, dials go off, but all warning lights stay on, don't even dim. If I put the headlights on, they don't even dim when I try and crank it.
So, I'm assuming ignition barrel? How can I test it? Which wires do what and what voltage or connections am I looking for.
Need to get this baby running and on the road.
The window and lock twitching was indeed the etacs ecu as suggested above so thanks for that.
Cheers in advance folks.
Danny

[keano]

So, update. Bypassed the clifford immobiliser. By tracing the ignition wires from the barrel. There were 2 wires cut and joined to the immobiliser and then back into the standard loom. So I just bypassed the immobiliser. Still won't start. Tried a known working starter relay ( 1 next to the battery). Still not starting.
Batteries good, starter worked last time it, erm, started. 12 months ago.
When I turn the key, ignition comes on, dash lights etc. Then when I turn the key to crank, dials go off, but all warning lights stay on, don't even dim. If I put the headlights on, they don't even dim when I try and crank it.
So, I'm assuming ignition barrel? How can I test it? Which wires do what and what voltage or connections am I looking for.
Need to get this baby running and on the road.
The window and lock twitching was indeed the etacs ecu as suggested above so thanks for that.
Cheers in advance folks.
Danny

[rocknrolla]

I had similar issue a year ago. Had to clean one contact in ignition barrel (sown on picture).

https://a.d-cd.net/1b2272es-960.jpg

Its a 5 min job to take ignition barrel out so worth to try.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

[keano]

OK cheers I'll try that later. Is there any way I can test that when I've put it back together? As in which wires does it switch etc?
Thanks
Danny

[rocknrolla]

When you turn key to ACC position contacts 1 and 6 should be closed.
In ON position contacts 1-2-4-6 should be closed.
In START position contacts 1-2-5 closed.


Wire colour scheme:

1 - Red
2 - Black and White
4 - Blue and Red
5 - Black and Yellow
6 - Blue and Yellow



Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

[keano]

Wow that's brilliant. Much appreciated that mate. Now I know what to look for. I'll have it running tonight. Fingers crossed.
Thanks again.
Danny

[swinks]

When you stry to start, does it crank, or nothing from starter. The later may indicate also bad earthing to starter, no signal going to starter from ignition switch, or engine power distribution relay gone (engine bayfuse box).

Regarding earlier problems, most aftermarket alarms are plumbed into ETACS units, sometimes it's nothing more than butcher job, unfortunately, so it's worth to re-do your wiring.

[keano]

It was indeed the ignition barrel. Took it apart as instructed and it started no problem. Such a simple fix.
There was no cranking or clicking before doing this.
Cheers guys.
Danny