400 won't start
Discussion
Can anyone save me a bit of time?
My 400 was fine ( hit 140 on xmas day)but now it won't start.
When I turned on the ignition I used to hear a circuit energising but now it doesn't although I can still hear various relays operating. I have checked the fuses to the fuel pump & the ignition/injection & I now suspect a relay.
If you have the answer please put me out of my misery as it is always dark when I get home. At least I have the 200 to stop me getting too upset. That always works (now).
Help!!!!!
My 400 was fine ( hit 140 on xmas day)but now it won't start.
When I turned on the ignition I used to hear a circuit energising but now it doesn't although I can still hear various relays operating. I have checked the fuses to the fuel pump & the ignition/injection & I now suspect a relay.
If you have the answer please put me out of my misery as it is always dark when I get home. At least I have the 200 to stop me getting too upset. That always works (now).
Help!!!!!
You should definitely hear the pump priming for a few seconds before you turn the engine over - if its not fuse/relay, the wiring down near the pump end is fairly exposed and the connectors can get corroded. I think pumps can seize, so if its getting power, a sharp whack on the pump body might free it, but that's a last resort.
7.
7.
number 7 said:I think the pump, or power to it, is the problem. I will investigate more when I am off tomorrow.
You should definitely hear the pump priming for a few seconds before you turn the engine over - if its not fuse/relay, the wiring down near the pump end is fairly exposed and the connectors can get corroded. I think pumps can seize, so if its getting power, a sharp whack on the pump body might free it, but that's a last resort.
7.
number 7 said:Thanks for the advice. I have checked the fuses & relays. They are ok. I have cleaned the connections to the pump. There was an earth off but that was to a suppressor. I will try to get a meter on to it tomorrow to check that power is getting through.
You should definitely hear the pump priming for a few seconds before you turn the engine over - if its not fuse/relay, the wiring down near the pump end is fairly exposed and the connectors can get corroded. I think pumps can seize, so if its getting power, a sharp whack on the pump body might free it, but that's a last resort.
7.
I had exactly the same with the 350i a while back. Running really nicely, then it just stopped. Had to be towed home by the better half in her diesel hatch, the shame of it!
I took a spark plug out and turned it over. It had a very strong spark so that was not the issue.
I removed the return line from the fuel regulator, and turned it over. Loads of fuel.
Then I was puzzled.
It turned out to be a relay ( I think for the fuel injection. ).
A while ago I printed off large parts of the "wedge epistles" including chapter 4, fuel system. I followed 4.1 " how do I test my FIE system". I spent a lot of time scratching my head because the location / name of my relays does not match what they should be ( I know the above was written for the SD1 ), but mine do not match what the wedge book said they should be first. In the end, I found the offending item and it only cost £2.99 plus six hours of my time to get back on the road........
I don't know whether the 400 will have a different system, but I hope the above will be of some use.
The other thing to check would be the ignition amplifier.
Hope you get it fixed, and happy new year.
I took a spark plug out and turned it over. It had a very strong spark so that was not the issue.
I removed the return line from the fuel regulator, and turned it over. Loads of fuel.
Then I was puzzled.
It turned out to be a relay ( I think for the fuel injection. ).
A while ago I printed off large parts of the "wedge epistles" including chapter 4, fuel system. I followed 4.1 " how do I test my FIE system". I spent a lot of time scratching my head because the location / name of my relays does not match what they should be ( I know the above was written for the SD1 ), but mine do not match what the wedge book said they should be first. In the end, I found the offending item and it only cost £2.99 plus six hours of my time to get back on the road........
I don't know whether the 400 will have a different system, but I hope the above will be of some use.
The other thing to check would be the ignition amplifier.
Hope you get it fixed, and happy new year.
BIG DUNC said:
With hindsight it would be quicker to pull every single relay in turn and test each one, rather than try and work out which relay does what.
Thanks for that. I am waiting for the frost to melt then will have another look.
On the 400 the relays for the fuel & injection systems are seperate on the wiring loom and obvious (amazing for TVR). I have checked them so am noe looking elsewhere.
Brian
Gandalf said:Nope, definately not as some tight a**se removed the alarm & imobiliser before selling it. BUT the connections to where the imobiliser was once connected
Not sure if this is of any help, and sure you would have already elimimated this, but its not the alarm/immobiliser by any chance?
No, can't be. Couldn't be.......
hormone said:
Not sure if this is of any help, and sure you would have already elimimated this, but its not the alarm/immobiliser by any chance?
No, can't be. Couldn't be.......
...but didn't you say the starter was operating ?
Surely immobilisers don't permit this?
On a fibreglass car I'd be checking every earth connection, and anything else 'hanging off', before anything else.
Hopefully you'll find it's something that's just come loose, especially if you've just done a high speed run.
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff