1.2 2007 Clio does not turn over

[clio2007]

Hi

I stopped at a services and left the car, on my return the engine would not turn over.

The key mechanism will operate 3/4 of the way in the barrel but not the last 1/4.
The dashboard lights indicate that the immobiliser is off and it has the battery, stop symbols present as you would expect before starting.

I can jump start the car by connecting the battery directly to the starter motor and all is fine, no dashboard lights and drives fine.

Does anyone know what this might be? It screams of a sensor or similar inhibiting the car starting.

Thanks in advance.

 

[klm182]

might sound silly but is the steering lock fully off?

 

[clio2007]

I know why you asked but yes the steering lock is fully dis-engaged.

 

[klm182]

seems everyone is having same problem.. including me,,,,on the 182 ,take the middle brown relay out,check for it being green, clean and replace... water does get in on that side.. we have had a lot of rain...