Another help, Car won't start (again)

[anonymous-user]

Just been out for a drive (first in ages) in the Chim.

A couple of weeks ago I had to pull out all the passenger footwell gubbins to help jump start someones car. As I was in a rush, I hastily put the ECU and wiring back and pushed up the cover.

During the drive today all the Ecu and stuff fell out accross the passenger footwell. It was o.k and when I got home, I pushed the ECU and wiring back on top of the battery and pushed up the footwell cover.

Now I've gone out and tried to start it. it is turning over about twice the speed it should be but is not firing.

I cannot hear the fuel pump. I have checked the number 13 fuse, and it appears to be ok. Much to the chirping of the alarm. I have been unable to find the fuel pump cut off switch. I am not sure what it looks like and the Bible does not give any clue either. The fuel cut of light on the dash is not illumiating either so I am at a bit of a loss.

I am sure the fuel pump is not priming as I cannot hear anything from behind at all.

Could anyone give me any clues?

Thanks



>> Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 8th April 12:44

[GreenV8S]

Don't bother trying to start it until you get the fuel pump running. When it is working correctly the fuel pump should run for a second or so each time you switch the ignition on.

The fuel pump is controlled by the ECU and there are plenty of ways for it to have been disturbed when the ECU was moved. How are you with electrics? If you've got a voltmeter or test light, and you understand basic electrics, it should be pretty easy to track down. If this all sounds a bit scary, ring a local auto electrician. There's nothing particularly complicated going on so I wouldn't expect any difficulty sorting it.

[anonymous-user]

Cheers for that,

Think I might wait for my father to get in

[paulathome]

Fuel cut off switch is under the dash on the passenger side of the car.
Where the passengers knees are there is a flap under the dash which is secured with
a couple of self tappers. Undo these and the flap drops down.
Get your head in the footwell and look up inside and you should see a black box
about three inches long and about an inch or so square. At the end facing the front there should be a red button. Press this and it should click in slightly.
Then hopefully the car should start. While your under there check all plugs and relays
next to the battery are all pushed fully home.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks

I managed to locate it eventually, it does not appear to be that.

Also had a look at the Relays (the ones on the bundle), and pulled all those out and it still does not appear to have worked

[Gaffer]

Had a similar problem on Miss Daisy.

The immobiliser had got itself confuesed even though the car was de-alarming.

IIRC Ian unplugged the ecu and left it for 10-15 mins then plugged it back in.

Seemed to work after that.

Claire

[anonymous-user]

I have gone out, wobbled and pushed everything I could around the fuse box area, (very technical I know) turned the ignition, engine turned over a couple of times then whirrrrrr from the fuel pump and away

Something must have been not making a proper connection somewhere.

[GreenV8S]

I wouldn't leave it at that, because a problem that just 'goes away' is likely to come back just as easily - and will probably choose the worst possible time to do it.

[anonymous-user]

I will have a proper look next time I get it out.

I was half in a bush whilst having my head in the footwell

[Cider Andy]

There are two Bosch relays attached to loose spurs off the wiring loom in the footwell by the battery. Both are identical (and therefore interchangeable) and are in aluminium cases. One of these controls the fuel pump. Check the connectors for these relays to make sure they are clean. These relays do eventually fail: it is worth your while to buy two replacements and keep the originals as spares.

On a few occasions my car has exhibited exactly this problem. A light flick to the relays fixes it, but it's a sure sign at least one is failing.

A search in this forum will bring up the Bosch part number. I think they're about £7 or £8 each.