I have a W reg Ford Ka and it won't start! Battery ok and alternator fine too - can bump start it and it runs like a dream once it's going. Was wondering if they have some sort of immobiliser on them - basic model, no central locking, problem with drivers lock anyway - can't unlock it from outside (this has been a long term problem). When I put the key in the usual lights come on - then the seatbelt and temp lights go off leaving me with my oil, battery and handbrake lights on - when I go to turn it over it makes a whirring noise for a few seconds and won't turn over. Any suggestions please???

 

Your door lock is worn you can get a rebuild kit for it, and your starter motor is your starting problem. Both common problems on a ka

 

thanks - thought as much - and a garage was gonna charge me about £60 for fixing the lock so I just left it as it was! just wanted to clarify it had nothing to do with my current problem!

 

no lock will have nothing to do with the starting problem, I think the solenoid in the starter is the weak link in these starters. A good second-hand starter will have you sorted. When I did my son's the lock kit cost me £40 and an hour of my time and a £25starter motor and 15 minutes to fit.

 

Thanks so much for your help! doesn't sound as drastic as i first thought! have learned rather more about cars than i wanted to know since i've had it!! thanks again

 

Hi

For the drivers lock you can try to squirt a TONNE of WD40 in there and try to unlock/lock a few times, unless its hte worn key or something else. £60 is really not a bad shout for a garage to do it for you, takes probably 30min-1h so an hours labour at about 40-50 plus parts.

The whirring noise points to a starter motor problem, swapping it with another working one should fix the starting problems.

All Ka's have a factory fitted immobiliser (you see the little light that flashes on your clock) its done with the key being near the ignition.