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lisahunter4

Spacefox Ignition Mystery: Bad Switch Halts Starts

My 2021 Spacefox wont start and throws an error code. After initial checks, I suspect the ignition circuit might be the culprit. The starter solenoid engages but nothing happens after that. I checked the power supply at the ignition switch and found inconsistent readings. Before I start replacing parts out of nowhere, has anyone encountered similar starting issues? The wiring harness looks intact and all fuses in the fuse box are good. Specifically interested in hearing from those who had this fixed, what was the actual problem and repair solution in your case?

4 comment(s)

philippfriedrich6

I dealt with an identical issue on my 2019 Spacefox GT. Having worked on several basic car repairs, I can share my experience with this starting problem. The symptoms matched exactly, power supply issues at the ignition switch and similar behavior with the starter solenoid. After checking the battery terminals and getting inconsistent voltage readings, I suspected a circuit break somewhere in the system. My mechanic discovered a faulty relay switch and damaged wire connections near the ignition module. The cable connections had deteriorated, causing intermittent power delivery. The total repair involved: Testing the complete ignition circuit, Replacing corroded wire connections, Installing a new relay switch, Recalibrating the ignition module The fix cost 95€ and solved the problem completely. Car starts perfectly since then. Could you share: Engine size and type, Any recent work done on the electrical system, Whether the check engine light shows specific error codes, If the problem occurs more often in wet conditions This information would help narrow down if your issue matches what I experienced with my car.

philippfriedrich6

I dealt with an identical issue on my 2019 Spacefox GT. Having worked on several basic car repairs, I can share my experience with this starting problem. The symptoms matched exactly, power supply issues at the ignition switch and similar behavior with the starter solenoid. After checking the battery terminals and getting inconsistent voltage readings, I suspected a circuit break somewhere in the system. My mechanic discovered a faulty relay switch and damaged wire connections near the ignition module. The cable connections had deteriorated, causing intermittent power delivery. The total repair involved: Testing the complete ignition circuit, Replacing corroded wire connections, Installing a new relay switch, Recalibrating the ignition module The fix cost 95€ and solved the problem completely. Car starts perfectly since then. Could you share: Engine size and type, Any recent work done on the electrical system, Whether the check engine light shows specific error codes, If the problem occurs more often in wet conditions This information would help narrow down if your issue matches what I experienced with my car.

lisahunter4 (Author)

Last service was just done at 117744km and Im facing the exact same symptoms. My voltage readings at the battery terminals are unstable too, ranging from 10.8V to 12.4V. The car won't start reliably and the starter solenoid makes the same noise you described. I checked the error codes and got P0615 and P0616 which point to a starter solenoid circuit problem. Currently considering if I should try cleaning the battery terminals first before replacing any parts, since corrosion could cause a voltage drop. Looking at repair options now, did your mechanic mention if the ignition module calibration requires special diagnostic equipment? Want to avoid unnecessary costs if possible.

lisahunter4 (Author)

Last service was just done at 117744km and Im facing the exact same symptoms. My voltage readings at the battery terminals are unstable too, ranging from 10.8V to 12.4V. The car won't start reliably and the starter solenoid makes the same noise you described. I checked the error codes and got P0615 and P0616 which point to a starter solenoid circuit problem. Currently considering if I should try cleaning the battery terminals first before replacing any parts, since corrosion could cause a voltage drop. Looking at repair options now, did your mechanic mention if the ignition module calibration requires special diagnostic equipment? Want to avoid unnecessary costs if possible.

philippfriedrich6

Based on my previous repair experience with our Spacefox models, cleaning the battery terminals alone might not resolve the issue completely. While addressing corrosion is important, the error codes P0615 and P0616 strongly suggest a deeper problem with the starter solenoid circuit, similar to what I encountered. The voltage fluctuation you're seeing (10.8V to 12.4V) matches almost exactly what my car showed before the repair. The ignition switch and related circuitry are likely the root cause, especially considering the matching error codes. Regarding the ignition module calibration, yes, it requires specific diagnostic equipment. When my car was repaired, they used a specialized scanner to reset and recalibrate the system. While this added to the total cost, it was necessary for a complete fix. The alternative of just replacing parts without proper calibration often leads to recurring issues. Before heading to a mechanic, you could check for any visible signs of wire damage near the starter solenoid or fuse box, but given the matching symptoms and error codes, you're likely looking at a similar repair to what my car needed. One thing I learned from my repair: a proper voltage drop test across the entire starting circuit will help pinpoint the exact location of the problem, potentially saving money on unnecessary parts replacement.

philippfriedrich6

Based on my previous repair experience with our Spacefox models, cleaning the battery terminals alone might not resolve the issue completely. While addressing corrosion is important, the error codes P0615 and P0616 strongly suggest a deeper problem with the starter solenoid circuit, similar to what I encountered. The voltage fluctuation you're seeing (10.8V to 12.4V) matches almost exactly what my car showed before the repair. The ignition switch and related circuitry are likely the root cause, especially considering the matching error codes. Regarding the ignition module calibration, yes, it requires specific diagnostic equipment. When my car was repaired, they used a specialized scanner to reset and recalibrate the system. While this added to the total cost, it was necessary for a complete fix. The alternative of just replacing parts without proper calibration often leads to recurring issues. Before heading to a mechanic, you could check for any visible signs of wire damage near the starter solenoid or fuse box, but given the matching symptoms and error codes, you're likely looking at a similar repair to what my car needed. One thing I learned from my repair: a proper voltage drop test across the entire starting circuit will help pinpoint the exact location of the problem, potentially saving money on unnecessary parts replacement.

lisahunter4 (Author)

Thanks for all your input on this. The voltage readings and error codes P0615/P0616 definitely match what you experienced. I'll start by doing a complete voltage drop test across the starting circuit to locate the exact issue before replacing any parts. Makes sense about needing specialized equipment for the ignition module calibration. Not worth risking a partial fix that could lead to more problems later. I'll have a professional mechanic check the wiring harness and complete circuit system since the symptoms align so closely with your case. Will get the battery terminals cleaned while they're at it, even though that's probably not the main issue. Going to schedule the repair next week, hopefully it ends up being a straightforward fix like yours was with the relay switch and wire connections. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with the same problem. Just hoping I can keep the repair cost close to the 95€ you mentioned. Will update once I know what exactly needed fixing in my case.

lisahunter4 (Author)

Thanks for all your input on this. The voltage readings and error codes P0615/P0616 definitely match what you experienced. I'll start by doing a complete voltage drop test across the starting circuit to locate the exact issue before replacing any parts. Makes sense about needing specialized equipment for the ignition module calibration. Not worth risking a partial fix that could lead to more problems later. I'll have a professional mechanic check the wiring harness and complete circuit system since the symptoms align so closely with your case. Will get the battery terminals cleaned while they're at it, even though that's probably not the main issue. Going to schedule the repair next week, hopefully it ends up being a straightforward fix like yours was with the relay switch and wire connections. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with the same problem. Just hoping I can keep the repair cost close to the 95€ you mentioned. Will update once I know what exactly needed fixing in my case.

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