my car won't start

[jayryan]

I have just got a mk1 mx5 recently.Ive been driving it around for the past week with out any problem,until now.It wont start it turns over but nothing i can here the fuel pump running but thats it.Anybody got any ideas??Please Help

[Steve]

Check your timing belt hasn't gone by having someone look through the oil filler hole to see if the cams turn when you turn over the engine.

Check you have spark :
I usually take out a spark plug, plug it back into its ignition lead, then leave it rest on the top of the engine ensuring the plug body is touching the camcover. Then try turning over the engine.

Then check fuel.

[graham]

Check it not a dodgy immobiliser, that was my problem...

g

[jayryan]

Hi i got my car running again. I took out a plug turned it over there was a spark,i put the plug back in and she fired up! Thanks for your help!!

[Steve]

cool!

[jayryan]

Back again with the same problem, she won't start.So i have a spark, If i take the one plug out turn the engine over put the plug back she'll fire up no problem.However if i leave it set for awhile and try and start it nothing it'll turn over but wont fire.Anybody got an ideas? Please :

[charged_rs]

give us more details of your car ?

mk1 mk2?
1.6 or 1.8 ?

have you tried new spark plugs and ht leads ?

[jayryan]

Hi its a 1990 mk1 1.6 i tried starting it this morning,there was no spark and no sound from the fuel pump.its got an alarm but the last owner said it was disconnected.I didnt change any leads on it yet

[Steve]

Might be worth tracing the alarm wiring.
Couple of other quick things to try..
give your key a wiggle in the ignition (it can go bad),
wiggle the wires near the back of the engine to check for loose connections,
clean any grounds you spot

Steve

[jayryan]

Hi i've tried cheeking wires and things but all looks good.Is there a kill switch in the boot?or does anybody no of someone in the Galway area how could have a look?

[Steve]

Where in Galway are you?

[jayryan]

Hi im in Maunsells road in the city

[Steve]

Cool, I work in the Newcastle area, can drop in next week some eve to have a look, pop me a PM with your number.
Cheers,
Steve

[jayryan]

Hi Steve i got a guy to look at my car today,he reckons its been stolen in he past and who ever rewired it made a bit of a mess so im going to drop it up to him to put right
thanks for your help

[Steve]

Hi Jay,

Righto, if you want to have a quick look and use my car as reference tomorrow lunchtime or something just let me know.

Steve