Any ideas?

[happyas]

Hi,

Just wondering if anybody as an idea as what can be wrong? At first the engine (1.8 petrol) on my V plate was stuttering as if running out of petrol, managed to drag it home where it would idle ok, but would stutter again if i tried to drive off. Now it wont start at all, ive checked the fuses, fuel pump, thats fine. Also the distributor, leads and spark plugs have been checked, they're all fine (only replaced them 6 months ago). Tried to start it on easy start and it was having none of it. Also, dont know if its related but the fuel gauge has stopped working, a crank sensor as been suggested could this be the problem? Any advice is much appriciated, im desperate to get it back on road with winter on the doorstep!

Many thanks

Shaun

[Disco_Mikey]

Ideally need the fault codes read off it first, but if it wont run on easy start, it points towards an ignition problem.

Try taking the plugs out and see if they are sparking

[Mr Bean]

Is there fuel in it?

When was the fuel filter last changed?

Is there spark from each cylinder? As said above take them and see if they are sparking.

[happyas]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions. Tried reading the fault codes, turns out the jeep wouldn't 'talk' to the diagnostics computer which was a costly dead end. Had the spark plugs out, they're all firing fine as they should. Fuel filter was done about a year ago, full of gunk but sorted, will check again. Also about 1/4 of tank in it, gage as bottomed right out though. Its turning over but not igniting if you follow what i mean. :/

thanks

shaun

[Disco_Mikey]

Do you have fuel pressure?

[Mr Bean]

Do you have an immobiliser?

[FridgeFreezer]

If it won't start on easy-start then you have a sparks problem not a fuel problem.

Check the impedance of the coil (it's not short circuit / open circuit) and that the connections are good, there's not much else in the system apart from crank sensor and ECU. Crank sensor is the next cheapest thing to try, they can be a bit spendy new but are quick & small to grab at the scrapyard and should be cheap (£5).

You could also check the sparks aren't escaping anywhere - I've had various ignition bits break down, you can see sparks jumping when it's dark.

Edit: It's not a jeep. No wonder it won't start if you call it nasty names

[happyas]

Well been out on it againg yesterday. Got fuel preassure, thats fine. Checked the distributer cap, the rotor arm and had all the spark plugs out. Everything is working great..... Next stage was the crank sensor, no one in my area had a second hand one which i find hard to believe so a new one it was. Still she wont start. Im really getting stuck now...

Thanks for suggestions.

[Mr Bean]

If

fuel = good

spark = good

sensors = good

That leaves

Air = ? Is the AFM working?

Compression = ? Have you tested the engine?

Exhaust = ? Is the exhaust blocked?

Fault Codes = Is the engine management light on?

[happyas]

Been told by a mechanic friend the aFM is working fine. Tested the compression earlier, all aorund 190 psi. Tried running it also with exhaust disconnected below manifold, still no joy. As for fault codes......... it wont talk to the diagnostics. Going to try another ECU in week, dont think this is the problem but running out of options now.

Cheers for suggestions

[FridgeFreezer]

Just to be pedantic, it doesn't actually have an AFM, it has a MAP (vacuum) sensor in the ECU.

Before you get too far down desperation road: Does it start on EasyStart?

[happyas]

One of the first things we tried was easy start, it was having none of it.

[FridgeFreezer]

One of the first things we tried was easy start, it was having none of it.

So it has to be lack of sparks then.

[happyas]

I wish it was that simple!

But, all below have been checked;

-Spark plugs are working fine

-Injectors are working fine

-Theres compression

-Its getting oxygen

Yet it still wont fire, even on Easy start which is strange. New suggestions are ECU or timing????

Thanks for your suggestions and patience!

[Bobs]

Are the sparks beefy?

A knackered coil can give sparks when the plugs are out, but can't manage it under compression. I would have thought you would get no sparks at all if the sensor was u/s, or at least a spluttering of some sort if the sparks were not timed right - but I'm no wiz!