Engine cuts out going up steep hill...
Discussion
Twice recently the engine has cut of when going up and around a particularly steep turn into my drive. I had to leave it for a couple of minutes on both occasions before it would re-start.
It would spin on the freely battery but no firing or popping or sign that it was catching at all.
In both cases the fuel tank was at least half full, but I had let it go very low before the last refill.
All wiring seems ok to the fuel pump so not sure where to look for more clues.
SteveO
It would spin on the freely battery but no firing or popping or sign that it was catching at all.
In both cases the fuel tank was at least half full, but I had let it go very low before the last refill.
All wiring seems ok to the fuel pump so not sure where to look for more clues.
SteveO
Thanks everyone. There are indeed days when I wish I lived on the flat!
The tank was half full and I've driven up and around that bend for the last five years with no problems. As per the original post, the tank was probably down to the dregs on the last fill-up but I managed a 120 mile round trip before it conked out. Mixture of stop-start traffic jam and motorway driving. Final 10 miles were clear on 'A' roads with no sign of trouble.
The last 100 yards or so are up a steep hill with a hairpin in the middle and three changes of climb just after.
I will try the drive a few times this evening to see if I can reproduce the problem.
Steve
The tank was half full and I've driven up and around that bend for the last five years with no problems. As per the original post, the tank was probably down to the dregs on the last fill-up but I managed a 120 mile round trip before it conked out. Mixture of stop-start traffic jam and motorway driving. Final 10 miles were clear on 'A' roads with no sign of trouble.
The last 100 yards or so are up a steep hill with a hairpin in the middle and three changes of climb just after.
I will try the drive a few times this evening to see if I can reproduce the problem.
Steve
The good news is that it happened again and I have some more information.
Car started first time, sound of fuel pump whizzing up was audible.
Two minutes of up and downhill driving and it cut out again on the uphill section.
This time I noticed that there was no sound of the pump whizzing.
Left it for ten minutes as per last time but still no sound.
Is there a preferred sequence for testing the components etc?
Thanks,
Steve
Car started first time, sound of fuel pump whizzing up was audible.
Two minutes of up and downhill driving and it cut out again on the uphill section.
This time I noticed that there was no sound of the pump whizzing.
Left it for ten minutes as per last time but still no sound.
Is there a preferred sequence for testing the components etc?
Thanks,
Steve
SteveOS3 said:
This time I noticed that there was no sound of the pump whizzing.
Left it for ten minutes as per last time but still no sound.
Is there a preferred sequence for testing the components etc?
If there is no "whizzing" sound when you turn the ignition key, then the fuel pump is not running. I had this problem a few months ago. For some suggestions on how to check this see HERELeft it for ten minutes as per last time but still no sound.
Is there a preferred sequence for testing the components etc?
Fuel pump intermittent!!
Brings back bad memories. I replaced relay, removed immobiliser, checked dizzy module, etc, etc. In the end, turned out to be a bit of corrosion/silicon between rocker cover bolt and earth lead!!
Simples!!
If only I had started with the basics. Never mind, at least I now have some knowledge of that circuit.
Good luck.
Brings back bad memories. I replaced relay, removed immobiliser, checked dizzy module, etc, etc. In the end, turned out to be a bit of corrosion/silicon between rocker cover bolt and earth lead!!
Simples!!
If only I had started with the basics. Never mind, at least I now have some knowledge of that circuit.
Good luck.
Sandgrounder said:
In the end, turned out to be a bit of corrosion/silicon between rocker cover bolt and earth lead!!
Simples!!
that's not a good place for an earth connection!Simples!!
Rocker cover bolts are only "nipped up" because of cork gaskets, no where near tight enough for a sound earth connection. Mine goes to a dedicated bolt on the inlet manifold.
If the wiring to the pump is OK, then check the inertia cut-off switch on the front bulkhead. I had a loose wire there which was shorting out and cutting the fuel whenever I went round a left-hand corner. Fired back up again when I straightened the wheel. Made for an interesting drive home...
With the usual caveat that not all cars are the same - mine is on the nearside bulkhead (forward facing) right next to where the loom comes through from the passenger compartment. It's a small black box with leads going into the underside. You can short the two wires together to bypass it and eliminate it from your investigation.
I'll try to dig out a picture...
I'll try to dig out a picture...
Edited by gifdy on Wednesday 9th September 11:08
SteveOS3 said:
Can you describe where the inertia switch is?
Thanks
Not one on my car (S3) possibly only fitted to the V8s.Thanks
Suggest ignition on and wiggle test the wiring, particularly in the passenger footwell area were the fuel pump relay and fuse box are. Also the fuel pump wires are prone to corrode at the pump end and not to forget the dreaded yellow connector on the steering column and earth points.
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