98 2.1 TD exec igintion and starter issues

[Alfow]

Hello, i'm new here and glad to have found the site!

A bit of history on the problem:
Around 6 months ago I was unable to switch off my car, the ignition barrel had somehow jammed, whilst moving it around trying to turn the key I noticed the heater panel was switching on and off. I left the car ticking over for half an hour returned to it and it switched off as normal but left the heater panel off. Didn't look into it as the car was cheap and I can do without the blower.

A few weeks ago on a short journey I heard an odd noise, pulled over to find it was the starter motor turning over. I switched off, waited a few minutes, re-started and carried on, the starter had stopped. Further into the journey the car lost all power, all the dash lights came on and I came to a stop with smoke coming from under the bonnet, the starter had been going again and had got very hot!
Got the car recovered and started looking into it,when I turned the key in the ignition instead of there being 2 distinct clicks followed by a third sprung starter position it felt very vague. In the second position where the dash lights are normally on with the glow plugs before you start, the car would start to turn over (starter motor hadn't burnt out thankfully)
Assuming it was the ignition barrel at fault I sourced a used one from a low mileage car (mine has 200K +) replaced the ignition expecting all to be well but the exact same problem occurs with no heater or radio either!
After trawling through previous posts it seems electrics on these are notoriously bad.

Has anybody had or heard of this problem before, can anyone offer any advice on what the problem might be? Would really like to nurse another 6 months out of the car if possible, thanks for taking the time to read this, hope it is clear enough!

[steve_earwig]

Hi there Alf. Did you replace the cylinder (the bit you stick the key in), the lock, the switch or the whole lot?

[Alfow]

Hi, yes I replaced the whole lot but used the original black plastic ring that goes around the barrel to correspond with the key, keeping the original key next to it so the immobiliser is ok.

[steve_earwig]

Maybe the heater and radio circuits were damaged by the old switch (will have a look in Haynes to see if they're common). Is it still like stiring a pudding?

[Alfow]

Thanks, No the new ignition switch has good positive movements. Not massively concerned about the radio or blower unless they are linked to the starter problem, would just like to get her starting properly again!

[steve_earwig]

So your started motor still has a life of its own? Runs now and again, smoke etc? I thought you'd fixed the original problem but you're left with the damage done (or maybe I'm just being thick )

I'm going cross-eyed trying to work out the Haynes wiring diagram for the radio, then I suppose it depends what it's wired into (I know mine's been changed 'cos it kept loosing the memories how it was wired up) if it's tapped off the same feed as the heater it might explain a few things.

[Alfow]

No not being thick, probably me not being clear. I appreciate you spending time looking at this.
Basically replacing the ignition has solved nothing at all. Starter still comes on on the second click of the ignition instead of the sprung third and would keep going if the ignition wasn't switched off.

[steve_earwig]

Looking in Haynes the starter could concievably pick up voltage from the preheater control module, maybe you need to look at this. Or your loom's damaged (hmm, did you say smoke?) you'd have to disconnect the starter feed both ends and put a meter on it to see if it's in contact with the other circuits.

Anyone else who's actually had some dealings with the ignition swich feel free to chip in!

[Alfow]

Don't think the loom is damaged, smoke was definately coming from the starter. None of the wiring was hot. Damned Peugeot electrics!!!

[steve_earwig]

It would tie in with the lack of radio and heater tho. Try unplugging the pre-heater module first, if it cranks in the right place then it's guilty, if not it's looking like the loom

[Alfow]

Ok I will, where abouts is the pre heater module? This is for the glow plugs I assume?
Cheers

[steve_earwig]

Apparently it's underneath the throttle position sensor (what, you think I'm going out to look in this rain?)

[Alfow]

Great, will find out exactly where it is and give it a go, fingers crossed, sounds like an easy fix if it's just a case of repalcing that????? No such thing as an easy fix with Peugeots I know! Thanks again for your help, I won't be back with the car for a while as i'm working away. As soon as I have tried it i'll post the results.