Diesel hiccups

[Pupp]

Laguna 2.2 (I know!)

Cruising along all fine, then a couple of wee hiccups.... feels like it's 'holding back', then a bigger one or two, then the engine stops completely with the dash lit up like a christmas tree. Slight wisp of smoke from nearside under bonnet.

No mechanical noise, no exhaust smoke immediatley before, no wanrning lights until then.

Nothing apparent when bonnet open (no hoses off, no leaks etc, oil level fine)

Try to restart and off it goes, all seemingly as normal.... any ideas, I'm assuming electrical but diesels are a black art to me?

[big_russ]

by no means am i an expert, but if it were my car, i'd check the battery voltage and alternator output first. Battery should be just over 12 volts, and i think the alternator should put out 13-14 volts. I'm sure someone will be along to correct me in a while!!

[DaveL485]

Try changing the stop solenoid?

[Pupp]

DaveL485 said:

Try changing the stop solenoid?

Ok, that sounds worth exploring... I'm assuming this serves to cut off fuel; is that correct? Any ideas where it might be located on the motor (apologies, I've never played with this engine apart from cleaning the EGR valve)?

Time to dig out the Haynes manual

[DaveL485]

Should be at the top of the engine, cylindrical with one wire attached to the top with an 8mm nut I think.
If it gives up the ghost or power is interrupted it'll shut you down by cutting the fuel off.

[Pupp]

Thanks, I'll investigate

[Pupp]

Got a crank sensor code apparently; sound likely?

[Pupp]

Ok, still needing help with this one if anyone has any bright ideas.... car throwing code P1 1808, which is cam and/or crank sensor I'm told. Both changed but fault still occurring..... multiple warning lights showing but relay chatter (key mechanism maybe) apparent that seems to indicate power is being interrupted somewhere (it stays constant at the ECU etc however). Have jiggled wires, cleaned plugs etc but all without success.

Maybe related, maybe not, the car was occasionally showing an 'airbag' warning light in the week or so before the engine started dying.

All suggestions welcome

[Pupp]

Just in case it helps anyone else, seems like it was loom damage in the vicinity of the gearbox... not sure what wiring is there that impacts engine management but that's what the poor buggers at the garage tell me who have been wrestling with the sod for a month. Collect it tomorrow so all AA leave cancelled....