3.2 Carrera not starting

[Gio G]

So our 3.2 is deciding not to start. Only a few weeks into ownership and she started to play up!

The engine cranks, but no spark. I can defo smell fuel and the tank was filled 1 day ago.

So I managed to get the DME Relay out and got it re-soldered it up, still no luck. Got AA coming in the next 1 hour. Anything easy I can suggest to get her going? The car was fitted with a new sigma immobiliser and alarm, wondering if that is having a brain fart? I am hearing online potential crank sensor or fuel pump. I have ordered a brand new DME, as I hear a spare is essential.. not registered on impactbumbers yet, as on smartphone..

G

[SRT Hellcat]

morning G. Usually when a 3.2 does not start it is the crank position sensor. I think they have two but it is a long time ago so I could be wrong. A new dme relay is a must found under the passenger seat I believe. Good luck.

[familyguy1]

how new is the battery ?

[smudger911]

On turning the ignition key you should hear the fuel pump priming, my money would be on a new DME or your new alarm/immob playing up

[g7jhp]

My 3.2's only let me down once, due to alternator failure.

I'd recommend using a c Ctek 5.0 trickle charger to keep the battery topped up if you garage the car.

[Gio G]

familyguy1 said:

how new is the battery ?

Battery is 4 months old, Bosch Silver was fitted. Thing is the car has had very little use over the last three years, circa 4K miles.. the Mrs is now using it everyday..

[Gio G]

Thanks for the replies.. will have to see what the AA person can diagnose.. Maybe the patched up DME is not going to cut it. I suspect that is the first place to start.. judging by the casing, it is the original part, so with 70,000 miles and 34 years old, does not seem unreasonable..

G

[Longman66]

I carry a spare DME in the glovebox , had to replace it when it wouldn't start after filling up with petrol , also as mentioned above crank position sensors fail , as you mentioned maybe immobiliser?

Edited by Longman66 on Wednesday 29th August 19:37

[browngt3]

I would say most likely DME. I had a similar problem last year and discovered she was still on the original after 32 years.

[EJH]

Longman66 said:

I carry a spare DME in the glovebox , had to replace it when it wouldn't start after filling up with petrol , also as mentioned above crank position sensors fail , as you mentioned maybe immobiliser?

Edited by Longman66 on Wednesday 29th August 19:37

I had the same symptoms last year. Changed DME relay (wasn't that but at least I now have a spare) and turned out to be crank position / reference sensors.

The alternator decided to fail the next time I took the car out but that's another story!

[Gio G]

The 3.2 is now back with JZM. Hoping it is not too sinister and the warranty covers it.. I suspect I need to prepare for these sort of problems. The car is being used properly now, as opposed to the previous owners, who were covering very little mileage..

G

[Rick101]

Have a spare DME here. Also listed for sale on IB if anybody wants one.
Worthwhile keeping a spare.

[Gio G]

SRT Hellcat said:

morning G. Usually when a 3.2 does not start it is the crank position sensor. I think they have two but it is a long time ago so I could be wrong. A new dme relay is a must found under the passenger seat I believe. Good luck.

You were quite correct sir! Both replaced, car back home... put the new DME in the glovebox

G

[SRT Hellcat]

Congratulations G. Glad you are back on the road

[cornershop]

Ownership 101 for these cars, glad to see you got it working.

A Bentley (publisher not the car) manual may be of use for general tinkering.

I would also check your Cylinder Head Temp Sensor (CHTS). It’s one of the 3 sensors hanging off the LHS intake - the other 2 are the speed and ref sensors you’ve just had changed. If it’s only for one wire, it’s the old design and should be replaced. Generally poor running rather than a non starter.

DME relay swap (under passenger seat)

Change all fuses with brass element fuses and clean up contacts with emery paper. Better still fit a Classic Retrofit fuse panel, which also incorporates headlight relays which removes load from the headlight stalk/switch (smoke/fire hazard)

Fit an in-line fuse for the dash lights to remove smoke/fire risk as dash lights are not fused. Need to loosen the pullout light switch (best to google)

Clean contacts for each of the ground points (I think 4 accessible in total - see Bentley manual again). One of these is the transmission braided ground strap between the gearbox mount and chassis.

[Gio G]

cornershop said:

Ownership 101 for these cars, glad to see you got it working.

A Bentley (publisher not the car) manual may be of use for general tinkering.

I would also check your Cylinder Head Temp Sensor (CHTS). It’s one of the 3 sensors hanging off the LHS intake - the other 2 are the speed and ref sensors you’ve just had changed. If it’s only for one wire, it’s the old design and should be replaced. Generally poor running rather than a non starter.

DME relay swap (under passenger seat)

Change all fuses with brass element fuses and clean up contacts with emery paper. Better still fit a Classic Retrofit fuse panel, which also incorporates headlight relays which removes load from the headlight stalk/switch (smoke/fire hazard)

Fit an in-line fuse for the dash lights to remove smoke/fire risk as dash lights are not fused. Need to loosen the pullout light switch (best to google)

Clean contacts for each of the ground points (I think 4 accessible in total - see Bentley manual again). One of these is the transmission braided ground strap between the gearbox mount and chassis.

Many thanks Cornershop!! Will look to invest in a Bentley Manual...BTW the profile picture of your Carrera looks amazing.

G

[cornershop]

Gio G said:

Many thanks Cornershop!! Will look to invest in a Bentley Manual...BTW the profile picture of your Carrera looks amazing.

G

Welcome and thanks - it's not looked as clean since

The Bentley manual is American, but 90% applicable to UK/RoW cars; it will pay for itself pretty quickly.