Turbo R engine quits. "TRAC FAULT"

[loel]

My 1997 Bentley Turbo RL stops running for no discernable reason. The console display alternates between “TRAC FAULT” and a red image of a battery above an oil can, and sometimes also shows “CHECK GEARBOX”. So far, the engine has stopped at low speeds where I have been able to pull off the road. The engine also always stops within five minutes of the car being started and parked with the engine running in neutral. Whether the engine stops while the car is under way or parked, it cannot be re-started until a few minutes have elapsed.
Battery, oil levels, solenoids and fuses are OK, but without a manual or access to the round multi-pin RR code reader I'm not confident that everything has been checked. A solenoid in the gearbox was changed to fix a problem shifting to top gear, but the car is otherwise in excellent condition with 68,000 miles.

[ruhall]

I've heard of similar symptoms before but have no personal experience.

From memory, (and assuming that your battery actually is strong), there was a suggestion that it was either the ABS sensors (or one of them) confusing the ECU, or the actual ECU. I presume your car, if it is a 97 car, has the original Zytek ECU, which might make it more difficult to find someone who can test/repair it, as I understand support is patchy.

Cleaning the sensors might help.

Where are you based?

If you haven't already done so, try the Australian RR forum, some useful info there, but no idea if your subject is covered.

http://au.rrforums.net/cgi-bin/forum/discus.pl


This chap in USA used to write up about problems he'd encountered


http://www.robisonservice.com


Whether something as simple as cleaning all the ABS and ECU connectors, relays etc., with electrical contact cleaner would help I don't know but it might be worth a try.

[Azure2001]

My 2001 Azure ran fine when I garaged it about two months ago. I parked it in "Park" in my garage with the boot electric switch off, and the proper battery tender plugged in. Last week, I attempted to take it out for a spin. The engine cranks fast and fine, but the car will not fire up and start. I am receiving the same sequence of the three error messages flashing as the first posting.

I've tried turning the key on and off, and tried cranking the starter on and off, but still no ignition like response.

Help! Anyone been through this problem and have a cure? The PMC has never failed in the four of five years we've owned it. Only about 25,000 Miles. Thanks!

[ruhall]

I can't add any more but these threads / forums etc would be more useful if people who bother to ask questions / seek advice etc would do the decent thing and update on their progress / solutions, which might then help others in due course.

Some forums / posters are very good at feeding back, others aren't.