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

[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

[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

[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

[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