RickyGlasgow

Hi there, just seeing if this rings a bell with anyone. MG-TF160 model year2004, VIN number ....623687. Starter motor suddenly stopped turning with no warning, and I cannot hear any click from the solenoid. Never had an issue with it before (car owned ~3years) and it had started fine that morning, we went for a run (~30miles), stopped for 5min to consult Google maps, then 'nothing' when I turned the key. Dash lamps all normal (except the EPAS warning light which stays on when I turn the key to the ignition position - never done that before I believe). Gave the starter a bang with an extension bar, still nothing. Gave the car a shove and it started fine with a push start, drove home and parked up.
Yes, the battery voltage is good (new unit ~1year ago), I have a 12V plug-in USB widget that displays the voltage so I always have an eye on it. Have checked the relay in the boot (by swopping it for another, then for a new one I had). I have seen some references to a 10A fuse that protects the circuit but I can't see it on my map of the fuse boxes under the steering wheel or the under-bonnet box. No obvious blown fuses or fusable links in the under-bonnet box.
I have bought a new starter motor as I was wanting an excuse to change it anyway (no idea how old it is, possibly the original!), but something is telling me something else is at fault given the lack of warning and not even a glimmer of life from the motor or solenoid.
I really appreciate your taking the time to read this, and hopeful for some helpful responses!

I am in Glasgow and had my HG and timing belt done by Rough Luck Racing (https://www.roughluckracing.com/) last year. They are mobile so come to you - get in touch and see if they have a Scotland trip planned in the near future. Jon and Claire are lovely folks, K-series experts, could not have been mroe helpful, and their prices are very reasonable too.

Save yourself all the trouble. I got the HG and timing belt done in the summer there by Rough Luck, can't speak highly enough of them.
https://www.roughluckracing.com/

Before the winter really sets in again, I just had the multi-day Dinitrol treatment on my MY2004 TF160. All the box sections done, free annual inspections. Looks great but, far more importantly, I hope it will be a good investment in extending the life of the car. For reference: Glasgow area (or south/central Scotland in general), this firm located in Johnstone were really professional, straightforward to work with. https://preserveprotect.co.uk/

An update on this - I finally got the chance to swop out the master cylinder and servo assembly at the weekend. Early days, but it is so far = so good. If it does prove out I'll be pretty happy I don't have to go down the route of the ABS - apparently you need to program it on the car, which I don't have the software for, therefore would have to transport it to the nearest Xpart garage (~35miles) which is difficult when your car can't be trusted to go more than a couple of miles. Apologies if this is tedious - I just want to close the loop on this thread.
Related subject - I don't see any "How To's" on the ABS in general - best way to purge it, bleed it, program it ............

I see from previous posts that others seem to have fitted the MGMania servo bracket without issues. I fitted one yesterday, but not without issues. Specifically, the two holes through which the bolts left/right join the new brace to the existing bracket simply did not line up. It was like they were out by the thickness of the snorkel flange. The picture below explains it better - if you zoom in you can see the centre of the holes are level with the top edge of the existing bracket.
After consideration, I ended up cutting new fixturing locations in the brace just below the existing ones in order to get it fitted. Has anyone else had this experience? Am I missing something?

Update: new discs, pads, and stainless hoses fitted at the front (rears done previously). I have a pre-owned master cylinder and servo on hand so that'll be the next step if this issue rears its' head again.
I also fitted the servo brace bracket kit from MG-Mania - that's a seperate tale for which I'll start a new post. In brief, the bracket as supplied does not fit correctly and had to be adjusted to make it work.

Hi Hogweed. I had similar recent experience - I put new Toyo TR1 on the rear, existing Toyo T1R on the front. After much reading on the forums, decided I had to spoend the money to find out if it was worth it. It was a wrench to get rid of the T1R, there was nothing visibly wrong with them and basically 90% new tread depth. But it was worth it; as soon as I got the TR1 on all four corners that horrible feeling at 65mph+ just disappeared. Go for it.

Thanks guys. I had also picked up on the shaft adjustment on some discussion threads, nevertheless, I think I'll just go for the full assembly in the first instance - I'm fed up, just want it fixed!!! - plus the front flexis (upgraded because, why not?), nice grooved and drillled 304mm discs, and Brembo pads. Yes, the kitchen sink is getting thrown at it, but it's all good stuff and peace of mind for the future.
[Any theories why I could get 500miles no problem after giving it the 'kitchen sink' approach on the rears, and then it craps out on a 3mile trip? Or do we just file it under 'one of those things'?]
I'll report back here when done - it'll be 2-3weeks before I get back to it (right knee op today to try and save my running career!). Thanks again - I'm fairly new to the TF - always wanted an F/TF and the time was finally right a few months ago. It's great figuring things out, improving the car as you go along, and these forums are a fantastic resource.

Yes, has ABS.