mgzs problems

[Neil Gardner]

Hi folks,
I have a 2003 1800 mgzs. Periodically, I have a two tone sound when I turn ignition key to show ignition lights on dash prior to starting. Can anyone help me define what this tone refferes to?
Also, a new fault has just occurred. Going to my car on a very cold morning, trying to start it. I turned the key fully round. ..... Nothing !! No click, no dimming of dash lights. Just nothing. Having left my car after making other arrangments to get to work. I returned to it in the evening. Car started first time, with no problems for the car to turn over. It has repeated the same fault twice since. Can anyone suggest a plan of investigation? Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

[talkingcars]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Does the tone effect operation of the car?

I suspect you have a dirty spade terminal on the starter motor, take it off and clean both the spade and the crimp terminal.

James

[petet16]

As above for the starting problem.

Not sure on the two tone sound your getting, on the later cars it is the fob not connecting with the transponder ring on the ignition switch and is normal, what shape key fob do you have ?.

[caled]

The two tone noise you occasionally hear sounds like the immobiliser. Mine does that every so often, usually when I try to start the car immediately after putting the key in the ignition.

[Neil Gardner]

Originally Posted by talkingcars

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Does the tone effect operation of the car?

I suspect you have a dirty spade terminal on the starter motor, take it off and clean both the spade and the crimp terminal.

James

The car when starts, runs very well. I do keep close eye on running items , oil and water plugs. The tones sound just prior to starting the engine. sometimes it may just be ( please excuse ) Beep beep. other times it may be a series of beeps then stops, and I can start the car as normal. I have come to think it may be telling me there is a problem looming. Have tested the battery. 12.35 vlt still battery. 14.35 vlt engine running. Will clean the terminal as suggested. I did wonder if it might the solenoid?

[Neil Gardner]

Originally Posted by caled

The two tone noise you occasionally hear sounds like the immobiliser. Mine does that every so often, usually when I try to start the car immediately after putting the key in the ignition.

Ah that could be right. Quite often I run my life being late for everything. Into the car and away as quick as. thanks.

[Neil Gardner]

Originally Posted by petet16

As above for the starting problem.

Not sure on the two tone sound your getting, on the later cars it is the fob not connecting with the transponder ring on the ignition switch and is normal, what shape key fob do you have ?.

the key fob shape is the normal MG key symbol as the fob.

[petet16]

So kind of egg shaped with an mg badge in the middle

[Neil Gardner]

Are there faults that are prevalent with the zs 1.8? I've had the car from new, as a car to drive Im very happy..... but have a folder full of invoices of work done. Brakes are my main issue .... back and front .... have replaced total front an back twice, with once a year changing either callapers or every other year having to reset back brakes. Is this common with this car. So tired of this, Ive Never had this with any other car I have had.

[petet16]

Rear brakes are a very common problem area, also shared with Honda's that use the same design.