Bizarre Battery related problem?

[Ryan6926]

Hi guys after a quick answer ideally, I've got a MB3, Usally it starts first time however I've found recently it's developed an interesting feature
 

As I turn the key to start it there's nothing, It's as if there's a dead battery as there's no firing or anything, However if I tap the brake then try again it'll fire straight up
Is there a switch / cutoff behind the brake or anything which is why it's doing it
It doesn't do it everytime but has done it twice within a week now which is confusing me
 

Cheers



 

[Dave]

Only cut off switch they have is fuel cut off switch mate. It sounds more likely the ignition switch is on its way out.

[dr_broon]

Could be the immobiliser in the key as well... Mine went through a funny patch a couple of months ago where it was as if the battery was flat.. If i took the key out and turned it around it would start.

[Ryan6926]

Ignition switch, where would I find it please? Why would it prevent all lights though nothing on the dash lights up, if i tap the brake it starts again though

[Ryan6926]

I'll try and find the other key then see if that helps

[Dave]

The ignition switch is on the rear of the ignition barrel, where you put the key in mate. Also, another thing to check is the battery terminals, make sure they're tight. I've seen loose connection at the battery cause similar problems, and its easy to check, and if its that, a really cheap fix!

[Ryan6926]

Nice one Dave I'll check them when I'm next out.

I'm assuming ignition switch maybe dirty as it's old or if it needs swapping is it the same as the EK do you know?

Cheers

[philgor]

Is it an automatic?

[Ryan6926]

Nope just a normal 1.5 MB3 manual

[Krzys]

Very peculiar for pressing the brake to let you start the car. Sounds like an electrical fault somewhere?

[Ryan6926]

I don't know, It's only done it twice before and just thought I'd press the pedals to try and see if it did anything and it started both times, It maybe complete coincidence, it's just weird lol