Help! Tamora wont start.. Fuel pump ???

[Raging Bu11]

Due to various work / family commitments my Tamora has not been out to play this year.
The battery was completely dead, so replaced with a new one at the weekend and thought that she would fire up straight away. No such joy I'm afraid . The starter is working as the engine is turning over fine, but it seems that I'm not getting enough fuel. When I turn the ignition the dashboard lights up and I get the dance of the needles, but don't hear any relays clicking or pumps priming that I used to hear.

It looks like it has got a bit damp inside and after much searching I saw that the fuel pump relay could be at fault. I ordered a new one from Clever Trevor which arrived today, so when I got home from work this evening I was hoping this would fix my problem, so replaced the relay and unfortunately still no joy... Now I have no idea what to check next.

Help! Can any enlightened PHers provide any ideas as to what might be the problem. It sounds like the fuel pump / power steering pump are not priming. I'm not getting the usual clicks and whirrs that normally happen when the ignition is turned.

[MATTYBOY]

Can you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition ? If not reset the immobiliser with the small black key and see if that gets the fuel pump going.

Matt

[shep1001]

YHM


Try what's in the email I sent you and report back. It's no great mystery and has been discussed before on the forums but I won't post anything security related on an open forum just in case

[Raging Bu11]

Thanks Matt,
No, I can't hear the pump prime. I put the black dongle in to the immobiliser receptacle, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

[Raging Bu11]

Thanks for the mail Shep,
I'll try what you suggested tomorrow and report back in the evening.
(Fingers crossed)

[Choo]

To resolve this I think it will be a battery disconnection for a few mins and then reconnect. This should kick the immobiliser etc back in and all should be fine.

[Choo]

To resolve this I think it will be a battery disconnection for a few mins and then reconnect. This should kick the immobiliser etc back in and all should be fine.

[Raging Bu11]

Thanks guys. Have tried all of the suggestions, but still the same I'm afraid .
The Immobiliser seems to be be doing what it should. When active and the ignition is turned the dash pod activates, but the starter motor doesn't. When I press the key button, then turn the ignition the engine turns over but struggles to fire (seemingly due to lack of fuel), and at no time do I get the clicks and whirrs of the fuel pump priming.
The alarm seems to be functioning correctly - It beeps if I set it with the door open and goes off if I try to start the car. I'm really at a loss as to what it could be.

So far
- New battery
- checked fule pump 30A fuse
- New fuel pump relay
- Tried Shep1001's suggestion
- Disconnect and re-connected battery

Engine cranks over fine but won't fire. Red LED seems to be behaving (flashes when the immobiliser is on and goes of when the key button is pressed or the dongle inserted)
it seems like the fuel pump is maybe not getting power as I used to hear a whirr before after the dash 'boinged' in to life.

[BuzzBillsberry]

Erm I know its seems a bit of a knob question but is there any fuel in it? as if not the pump would not be able to pick up hence no priming...Just a thought

Hope you get it sorted as a last resort speak to your local TVR dealer....

Buzz

[paulvx220T]

not sure if its like the Tuscan but have you reset the fuel cut off switch

[Raging Bu11]

Yes, plenty of fuel in it approx 1/2 tank.... (Although I did have to go and check after you said that !!), that would have been embarrassing.

checked the reset switch on the passenger side and that seems to be ok as well.. I really don't know what to check next..

[peteA]

My Tamora stranded me - the electrical connections to the fuel pump in the boot - they had become loose, the actual wires connecting into the connector. Try waggling them about with the ignition on to see if the pump bursts into life?

The guys at HHC soldered them in once they discovered the issue.

Got to be worth a try?

[Raging Bu11]

Thanks Pete, I've taken a look at the wires in the boot and visually they look OK. The connector is tight and it looks like there is some sort or resin / glue that's been applied to stop them coming apart. I don't know how to post a pic on here... I just removed the relevant fuses, relays etc and re-seated them and tried again. I noticed that as the engine is turning over I get a brief flash of a message on the dash - I think it says 'EFI Fuel' It flashes up so quickly it's hard to tell, but I think that's what it says.

[shep1001]

Raging Bu11 said:

Thanks Pete, I've taken a look at the wires in the boot and visually they look OK. The connector is tight and it looks like there is some sort or resin / glue that's been applied to stop them coming apart. I don't know how to post a pic on here... I just removed the relevant fuses, relays etc and re-seated them and tried again. I noticed that as the engine is turning over I get a brief flash of a message on the dash - I think it says 'EFI Fuel' It flashes up so quickly it's hard to tell, but I think that's what it says.

It will be EFI Fault 4. Its a bit generic unless you have the laptop cable and software

[Raging Bu11]

Yes, it must be EFI Fault 4 as you say.. I assume this is in some way related and may be causing this problem.
Sounds like an expensive trip to the garage is required . Even more of a pain as I can't start the thing to drive it there...

[Raging Bu11]

Yes, it must be EFI Fault 4 as you say.. I assume this is in some way related and may be causing this problem.
Sounds like an expensive trip to the garage is required . Even more of a pain as I can't start the thing to drive it there...

[Raging Bu11]

Yes, it must be EFI Fault 4 as you say.. I assume this is in some way related and may be causing this problem.
Sounds like an expensive trip to the garage is required . Even more of a pain as I can't start the thing to drive it there...

[shep1001]

If its got damp inside have you checked the alarm control box for moisture? its in a location where it can get wet. Could the plug cover be leaking and the plug(s) have filled with water?

[Raging Bu11]

Yes. It definitely got damp inside. it looks like one of the window rubbers has gone and water was getting in through the door. I'm so annoyed as I never had a leak before and due to doing work on the house it meant the garage was overwhelmed with other stuff!

So it's highly possible it could be something like that. Sorry for my ignorance, but where does the alarm control box live and what does it look like?
Thanks

[shep1001]

Raging Bu11 said:

Yes. It definitely got damp inside. it looks like one of the window rubbers has gone and water was getting in through the door. I'm so annoyed as I never had a leak before and due to doing work on the house it meant the garage was overwhelmed with other stuff!

So it's highly possible it could be something like that. Sorry for my ignorance, but where does the alarm control box live and what does it look like?
Thanks

I have emailed you. Its got Meta written on it so you can't miss it!