Andyl Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Having left the P38 for a couple of weeks, it had a flat battery, charged it up and refitted, once I'd fought my way through the key code lockout, the car still won't start! The car cranks OK, but won't start, not a cough or splutter. There's a valve on the fuel rail that looks very much like a tyre valve, I'd guess it's there to check fuel pressure. Don't know what that should be, but if I press the pin in I get a smell of petrol and no more, even with the ignition on. I've checked the fuse (39) and visually checked the relay (yeah, it's there and doesn't look burnt or melted!). So is this a fuel problem or am I missing something? And what to check next ? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_d Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Don't know the 3.9 well but if it helps the 3.5 pump only runs during cranking and when the flapper MAF is open so if I want to check my pump I have to hold the flapper open with the ignition on. I think the 3.9 does a couple of seconds of pump prime when the ignition is first turned on but again I'm not sure. You need a helper (to turn the key to crank) so that you can listen to the relay to ensure it is moving (notice I avoided saying 'working'). If it sounds OK then slide under the back and listen for the pump when your helper again tries to crank. My 3.5 went through a spell of the pump not starting until the tank had been abused with a heavy shoe. Inevitably this method did not last and the pump had to be replaced. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 Firstly, remember the fuel pump is ECU controlled so just because it doesn't run doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it - it could mean the ECU just isn't turning it on because it doesn't see the correct conditions to make the car run. You could still be "locked out" or there could be some other fault. or it could be the fuel pump after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyl Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 Thanks. There are just so many "black boxes" that could be the problem, I'm trying to make sure it IS fuel, before I spend a week chasing down something irrelevant! I have disconnected and reconnected the battery again in case something in the unlock/disarm process didn't clear properly last time. It's a 4.6 P38, so I think the fuel rail should be pressurised with the ignition on position 2, but I'll get a helper to crank it while I check the above, it's a start! Then i guess I might have to call for a tow to the man with the right computer. Ta. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyl Posted April 12, 2008 Author Share Posted April 12, 2008 OK, so that was the fuel system relay. Changed that, started OK. Next day I moved it a short distance and when I took the key out the engine didn't stop for a few seconds! When it did stop I heard a buzzing noise still coming from under the bonnet and the fuel light was still on for the LPG. Tried turning on/off, lock/unlock, etc. Opened the bonnet and found that a relay (the main ignition relay I think) was buzzing furiously. Replaced that, battery was then flat so couldn't try it. Strangely the wipers were in the middle of the screen and I don't remember it raining when I moved it. Charged and reconnected battery - key code lock out leave it for 1/2 hour... Then someone mentioned to me that the windscreen wipers were going. Car locked, key in my pocket, wipers weren't going when I left it. sure enough, they were going. Wiper switch off, ignition off, car locked and wipers started themselves up on their own! Couldn't find a wiper fuse, so removed both wiper relays and they stopped. Is my car cursed or is there something in / under the engine bay fuse box that can do this kind of thing? It could be the famous P38 electrical gremlin sitting in the engine bay chewing wires at random! Oh why did I ever buy a P38! should have stuck with a classic, at least rust is predictable! Help! Cheers, Andy (Slightly desperate and a little more disheartened) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Sparkes Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 Have you found the site www.rangerovers.net? This site is THE world authority on the 38A, learn to like it, find your way around it. I'd suggest starting with the main site, (this will take several hours), then move onto the 4.0/4.6/P38A forum off the front page. If you have electric front seats, raise them to the highest position before disconnecting the electrics. Wind the drivers window fully open before disconnecting the electrics. NEVER leave the key in the ignition. I'd suggest the wipers running could be the BECM faulty, but I suggest you also check for damp affecting wiring and connectors. In particular lift the carpet in the RH footwell and check the underfelt for damp, and the wiing there for swollen areas caused by corrosion. Pull the plugs on the BECM and check for corrosion. You may eventually have to remove the BECM, open it, and look for overheating damage. Lift the all the relays from the Engine Bay fuse box and check for signs of overheating where they plug into the base. Unbolt the fuse box, remove the wiring connection plugs and look for corrosion or overheating. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyl Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Thanks for the pointers, that should keep me busy for an evening! Cheers, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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