Starter Motor Issue

[Panentheism]

I think this is what happened, the Elan is in my parent's garage (or was!). It's not been used much at all in the last year (no surprise there!).

- Father started it and drove it out of the garage
- A while later he went to start it to put it back in again, but the starter wouldn't turn over
- He charged the battery
- Still wouldn't start

It's not even operating the solenoid. All the warning lights come on, the fuel pump primes but turn the key to operate the starter and nothing. The lights don't dim or anything!

I've not had a chance to look at it too much, but all the fuses are fine, and the switch thing (!) next to the battery is down. I've tried jump leads to another battery and I also have a "charge and start" battery charger. Neither made any difference.

It has a Gemini alarm which is turned off. I turned it on once a few years ago and the siren went so I turned it off!! I'm wondering if this is the issue, if the battery went flat and the alarm has reset somehow into an "immobilised mode". I've tried turning the alarm back on but that made no difference - there's a hidden toggle switch, I don't really know what it does!

I've found a key fob for it, I'll try replacing the battery in it and see if that helps in any way! Or I may strip the alarm out, there are 3 wires coming off the cables behind the ignition switch all on separate in line fuses - I'll have to work out what they do!

I was wondering if any of you had any other ideas of what the issue could be?

Cheers

[types26/36]

I think more information is required, you say its an Elan but there are several different models with different wiring and fuses in the classic range of Elans.
If it is the more modern Elan M100 then I’m afraid you are on the wrong forum as this one is for the classic models.
The forum for the M100 can be found here.
https://www.lotuselancentral.com/

[alan.barker]

Put a tempory Earth wire from Solenoid fixing Bracket to a Cam Cover Stud.
I think the Earth for the Fixing Bracket is no good
Alan

[Sinbad]

It’ll be the M100, my girlfriend has one, says the alarms are notorious for problems. She’s surprised it’s still in the car as most owners have removed and replaced them.

As Brian suggested, post your problem on https://www.lotuselancentral.com/