2003 MG ZR delayed start

Could be a fault with ignition switch ,but worth checking all starter wiring / connections .here is someones solution to fault ,



The problem is that you get in the car,turn the ignition,dash lights come on but there is nothing,no life from the engine at all (although some people might say there is a dull beeping or ticking sound which comes from the centre of the engine when they turn the ignition on).Some people,lock/unlock the car,wait 10 secs - 45 secs and then try again and it starts...but not always.

I tried everything from changing the keyfob battery to a diognostic machine but it showed nothing and eventually it wouldn`t start by key at all but a simple jump start lead me to where the problem was.

It`s nothing more than a bad connection to the starter.It`s a common fault with the MGZR`s but here`s how to fix it....(before you start replacing stuff)

You will need..."375 - fully insulated female (spade) connection" which can be purchased at any electrical/motor store ,pliers/electrical wire cutter,sandpaper and WD40 and 2 people.


1.Remove the battery and the airfilter cover - this comes in 2 parts - the top just clips off (move this to one side) and the bottom is held in by 2 screws that are on the inside of where the battery is housed on the left hand side.

2.Remove the base of the air filter and you will see directly below your starter motor with a ignition wire connected to it - remove this and clean the contact (which is like the end of a lollipop stick) with sandpaper on both sides.

3.Remove the old Female spade connection on the field wire and replace it ensuring there is good contact with the inside the spade - use the pliers to crimp it tight to the ignition wire.

4.Spray the contact with WD40 (this is one of the best conductors out) and attach the ignition wire with the new spade connection to the contact.

5.Reconnect the battery without replacing the airfilter etc to make sure it starts ok.

6.Have someone turn the ignition on and see if the car starts....if it doesn`t start,get them to HOLD THE IGNITION ON (make sure the dash lights are on) and you remove the spade,turn it upside down and attach it to the contact again (you may get a fright as the car will probably burst into life but you wont get a shock)

7. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS STARTING AND YOU ARE HAPPY THERE IS A GOOD CONNECTION then crimp the spade as hard as you can with the pliers onto the contact (i would advise to try and start the car again a few times - i done it 7 to make sure) and that the spade is not loose.

8.Replace everything and your worries should be over.

I have done this with 3 MG`s

May be a late reply but having the same problem my local garage tried changing the starter motor connection, changed the relays and nothing worked. Then he came up with the idea of installing a start button direct, so I now turn the key till the fuel pump clicks in and press a dash mounted button and the engine fires up !!!