None starter - electrical gremlins
None starter - electrical gremlins
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Discussion

jagracer54

Original Poster:

16 posts

244 months

Sunday 11th June 2006
quotequote all
Got a none starting 1993 4.0 Chimaera that I was using through the yucky winter months then parked her up in the garage awaiting finer weather. Now when I switch on the ignition I don't get that comforting whirr as the injectors are given a shot and of course she doesn't fire/start. Thought I'd killed the EFi unit with the battery charger, but swapped that and no difference. Also had my immobiliser checked and that's 100% too.
Suspect some gammy connections somewhere - pulled out the passenger side loom and wiggled/removed/cleaned/replaced relays but still no joy. Anyone got any (useful) suggestions?

Cider Andy

1,889 posts

255 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
Presumably the engine cranks over?

Start with the two aluminium relays in the footwell, which you may have already looked at. Check their connectors, swap them both around (they are identical). If there's still no fuel pump at ignition on, check the connections at the fuel pump itself and check continuity of the earth wire at the fuel pump.

If the relays don't operate when you switch the ignition on and you are certain the immobiliser is not at fault, buy new relays from a Bosch automotive agent or motor factors. They're £5 - £6 each.

victormeldrew

8,293 posts

307 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
Are your plugs wet or dry? Is the comforting whirr you mention the fuel pump?

jagracer54

Original Poster:

16 posts

244 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
Swapped the relays around - no difference. Ran a direct 12V feed to the fuel pump - it then runs nicely, but engine will still not start. Need to check out condition of spark and plugs later... Still no fuel pump or usual noises on ignition swich on/off

theaxe

3,571 posts

252 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
Fuel pump fuse? Do both relays 'click'?

jagracer54

Original Poster:

16 posts

244 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
All fuses on main relay block are ok. Are there any others hidden away someplace?
I've got one relay on the block that clicks with ignition switching to on - but not the two separate aluminium ones....

Cider Andy

1,889 posts

255 months

Monday 12th June 2006
quotequote all
The aluminium relays are "loose" on a spur off the wiring loom.

theaxe

3,571 posts

252 months

Tuesday 13th June 2006
quotequote all
They look like this:

jagracer54

Original Poster:

16 posts

244 months

Monday 19th June 2006
quotequote all
Thanks to CiderAndy and theAxe... Have diagnosed one of the aforementioned ally relays to be at fault. Of course swapping them around doesn't make any difference as both are needed to generate the right burble from the rear! Just need to go locate one tomorrow now...