Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Monsters > Difficult starting on a 2001 S4

[toms]

The bike is reluctant to start when i first turn in on and turn it over. The injectors sound like they are priming. If I turn the ignition on and off for 3 or 4 times it appears to get enough fuel to attempt to fire and this with a handfull of throttle fires her up. When she warms up them she is fine. Any ideas?

I do try to start her with the fast idel full on but I still have to go through the routine as described above.

[Edited on 5-10-2005 by toms]

[berto]

Don't touch the throttle just full on with the fast idle then back it off when it starts..

[toms]

See my edited comment above

[berto]

Run a bottle of REDEX injector cleaner through it.If that doesn't work get the throttle bodies checked...

[wilf]

the 2001 S4 has an immobilosor built in that can be a bit odd.

If you turn on the ignition key and leave it more than 15 seconds before starting it the immobilsor can cut in. so it just turns over, fuel pump primed but no spark.

I had one that did the same, it may not be this but its worth knowing.

good luck.

[toms]

Thanks Guys.
I called to the Ducati shop here in Dublin and they told me the following starting procedure which works .
Turn on the ignition and leave the fast idel off. Press the starter button and at the same time move the fast idel lever towards the full on position until she fires. Has solved my problem. Also told me of the 15 second imobaliser cut in. Thanks for your help.
Tom