1971 xke 4.2
Wanted to take the required four photos to apply for antique tags, but...IT WON'T START!
Turned key, all dash lights come up, single click on firewall..no solenoid engagement or turnover of engine. Upon investigation, click coming from LUCAS 6RA 33231E relay on firewall. Not in the shop manual!
Turn on headlamps and turn key to start position...no dimming of headlamps, so...shouldn't be a starter or solenoid problem...
Thought must be a flat battery,,new 540 cca battery. IT WON'T START or turnover!
Traced all electrical cables and wires that should be in the ignition circuit for possible loose connection, but could find anything loose.
Spent at least five hours now searching the net for Prince of Darkness
6 RA 33231E 12 VOLT 1570 five post metal can relay mounting on firewall to no avail.
Sound familiar to anyone?
Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Sun, 05/20/2007 - 19:13
The relay is on the firewall or on the mudguard? If it's on the mudguard, it's the alternator relay, and is totally unrelated to your problem. If it's on the firewall, I'm not sure, but it's easy enough to open the can and clean the contacts.
This sounds like a solenoid problem. The headlights aren't dimming because the solenoid isn't powering up. What you could do is run a cable directly between the solenoid and battery. When you touch it, you should hear the solenoid engage.