help needed

[ger]

looking for some advice.

i was driving along this evening and the car suddenly cut out and would not restart. The engine turns over and the battery seems strong. No bangs or clatters before hand, just cut out.

Best guess at the moment is fuel pump or coil. I'm planning to pull off the fuel inlet and crank the engine to see if the pump is working.
If this is ok check a plug lead to see is it making a spark.

Anyone else have this problem in the past?

I was planning to go up to Ivans tech day on Sat, so i need to sort this problem between now and friday.

Suggestions anyone.

ger

[mrges]

Ger, this may sound rather stupid - and obvious - but in the past, when I've had to call the AA about a non-starter, the first thing they always do is check there is fuel in the tank......could it be that simple...?


mrges

[ger]

half a tank put in today, good suggestion though.

ger

[ger]

half a tank put in today, good suggestion though.

ger

[Fergus]

Need more information first to be able to tell you what to check.
Check the rubber 'vacuum caps' on the throttle body, could be one just popped off.
Is there any life at all when you try to start it or is it 'totally' dead ?
Has the car got an alarm fitted which may be faulty ?
What happens 'exactly' when you turn the key ?

[ger]

When i turn the key the engine cranks fine. The battery is not low.
Just does not start.

could be something as simple as a fuse for the pump, or does the fuel pump have a relay?

The engine just cut out while driving, no splutter just cut out and would not restart which is leading me more to a spark problem.

[ger]

i have the boost gauge and the fuel reg on the two vacuum nipples at he trottle body, both are in place.

[Steve]

Possibly the timing belt... take off the oil cap and see if the cams turn when the engine is cranked (Don't put your face too close tho).

The engine is non-interferance so it'll be just a matter of putting a new one on

[Fergus]

Also check the vac cap at the BACK of the throttle body....
Where are you located ?

[MX5Steve]

is there a fuel pump relay under the steering wheel somewhere?

Someone with "proper" knowledge should confirm that?

[mx5ash]

Think its in the engine bay steve

[ger]

i'm in wicklow, just beside arklow.

I'm just about to start on the car. There is a fuel pump relay, its under the steering column, the check for this is to use the diagnostic box to by pass it, you bridge GND and F/P. I'm hoping this is it and not the fuel pump as the seem to be a stupid price even from the U.K around 300 stg.

If all is well in the fueling dept, the next think is spark, could be the coil pack, or the crank angle sensor (if there is one, no sure yet).

Thanks for the help i'll keep you posted

ger

[Steve]

did you check your cams are turning?

[ger]

right, the fuel pump and relay are fine.
Tested on of the plugs and theres no sign of any spark.
Any suggestions on how to test the coil pack.
or any other ideas as to the problem.

I'm going to disconect the bi pipes next to see if there is a problem with the conection to the CAS.

I have switched off the alarm at the box just in case.

ger

[Geese]

No spark could mean that the coil isnt working or the ECU isn't firing the spark.

ECU won't fire sparks if the crank speed/angle sensor isn't working, (broken timing belt)
If the ecu isn't powered, (fuse)
IF the air mass sensor is faulty (stuck or broken)
If the Throttle position sensor is faulty. (unlikely)

Teh Crank sensor is the device at teh bulkhead thats used for adjusting the base timing. I'm only in shankill if you need more help. Number is 0863478075