misfire now won't fire at all

[ENZO]

Hi everyone
I could really use some advice...my 1990 se had really bad misfiring problem then when I tried to start her up again, nothing. I have no idea where to start. If anyone could give me some pointers it would be much apreciated. Thankyou

[Enright]

OK, we need a bit more info, so how do you mean "nothing"?

When you turn the key so that you get ignition lights on the dash, can you hear a whirr from behind you as the fuel pump primes? Do you even GET ignition lights any more?

When you turn the key to try to start the engine, does it turn over but won't fire?

Also, where are you? If you complete your profile you might find a fellow helpful Elaner just around the corner who is prepared to stick his head under your bonnet!

[Doug]

[ENZO]

Hi I'm from YORK, ENGLAND...I get ignition lights and also fuel. Injectors are working as there is a distinct smell of petrol when I turn the engine over. I decided to try and get a fault code reading today and I don't get any flashes at all just a clicking noise when I ground the terminals.

[chris.t]

when you had it running/mis-firing was there a lot of smoke from the exhaust not oil but unburnt fuel? if so this could be the coolant temp sensor packed up. Had this on my car. the symptoms you describe are exactly what i had. There is a fault number for it but can't remember what it is - sorry

[ENZO]

my problem is that I can't get a code reading. When I ground the terminals I get a clicking noise coming from near the air filter seems to be coming from what appears to be a sensor with two small tubes and a blue electrical clip on it. When I touch this and somone else grounds the terminals I can feel that the clicking is coming from this but don't have a clue what it is or why its effecting the flash codes.

[Enright]

That sounds like your boost solenoid valve, and I'm sure that shouldn't oscillate when the terminals are grounded!

The terminals to ground in the ALDL socket are the ones with the black, and the black and white wire.

You didn't answer about the whirr. Try pressing and pulling up the fuel cut-off switch next to the battery (it's in a compartment under the RHS of the hood stowage area).

[ENZO]

Yes I get the whirring noise
but still can't figure out why I don't get any flash codes???
I do ground the right terminals and when I do I hear one loud click coming from under the bonnet when I disconnected that blue clip I mentioned I still get a click but I can't determin where it feels like something that either connected to or adjacent to the wires which lead to that 'solenoid'

[chris.t]

does the engine turn over?

[Candles]

Thought one: Dead ECU.

This would be quite bad as it is expensive, so let's try some others....

Thought two: Poor earth on ECU somewhere.

I've had this and it can F**K everything up really bad from the ECU talking to running the engine right. Look in the manual: There are earths on the plenum (3 at driver's side), coil, chassis, ECU. Then there are bonding leads that connect chassis bits and the engine to the chassis. Check them all! Mine was a poor plenum earth by the PAS reservoir. Cleaned and refitting and it worked fine.

Candles

[Enright]

Candles, being as you are familiar with where to find these in the manual, could you tell us which pages?

I would like to check mine out too, and can look for the ones you describe, but wouldn't know where to start to look in any of the manuals for directions.

[John_W]

... where to find these in the manual, could you tell us which pages?

Neil,
Look in section MJ (Electrics), Section MJ6 (Battery cables & earth braids & earthing points), pp 19-20.

The illustrations are diagrammatic, however. I don't think there are any drawings of what they look like. Maybe Candles has a photo or two.

John

[Enright]

Thanks John, I'll give them a go.