Engine won't start?


J

joe

200WHP
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
1,284
please somebody put me out my misery?

Started my car up yesterday just to make sure it was all working ok - started first time FINE.

Then i started stripping out a few panels to get ready for a rollcage and removed the panels around the footwell where the ECU is located (because I am relocating it into a bracket)

I then put the panel back - giving it a gentle tap to get it to clip back in...

I tried to start it today - it spluttered and then it just died - now its only cranking over.

is it possible i have knocked the ecu or something and ****** it?

its got fuel...

what could it be?

any help would be marvelouso!

thanks in advance..
:please:
 
I would start with dizzy, mine was the same - fine, then spluttered and died. Most likely the coil...
 
Thanks for the quick reply - I just went and replaced my dizzy with another known working dizzy and no previal :(

If the ECU had for example been damaged would it cause the car not to start at all?

There are no error codes flashing either...
 
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joe said:
Thanks for the quick reply - I just went and replaced my dizzy with another known working dizzy and no previal :(

If the ECU had for example been damaged would it cause the car not to start at all?
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Well, I guess so! Have you tried pulling the ecu plug out and connecting it back again? Also, check for spark, either get one spark plug out, ground it to the engine/chassis and see if you get a spark. Alternatively if you are feeling brave stick a finger up the ignition cable and if you get a shock you know you are getting current to the spark plugs. I never had the balls to try that method lol, try at your own risk if you wish :)
 
Yep i tried that all the connections look OK.

I also have a spark.

When i put the spark plug back and tried to turn it over it spluttered momentarily then nothing ..

=[
 
OK so i removed the top cover of the ecu - smells burnt and one little capacitor looking item is burnt to **** and the board is burnt too.

Pics to follow!

I have a feeling when the battery terminal shorted on the bulkhead of the car it ****** the ECU - but this was sometime ago so I really don't understand :(

 
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That transistor looks like it's had it. Did you remove spark plugs? were they wet with fuel?
 
Yes I would agree with you haha, is the ECu repairable if I had a new transistor soldered in>?

I removed the plugs and they were dry / slightly wet with fuel
 
Are you talking about panels as in the dash? and is this a pre facelift ek? If so I encountered the exact same problem, find this wee switch:

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it's behind the ash tray next to glove box, if not go and locate it and press it. put key in, turn it once.. engine management light should come on as per then off, then start car.. tell me if this works. the switch only comes in pre facelifts
 
Ally my car is a 2000 facelift :( thanks for the headsup on that though !

would this transistor burnt out stop the car from starting? does anybody know whats its for?

No error codes are showing on the dash either!
 
Damn, I wouldn't be able to help you then. See when you turn the first time? the engine management light doesn't come on yeah?

There must be something similar, as that switch is like a kill switch for an event of an accident. It resetted the ECU for me and it worked fine. I'm crap with electronics, but if there is a way of replacing the transistor, i'd give that a try. hope you can get it sorted soon
 
Ally138 said:
Damn, I wouldn't be able to help you then. See when you turn the first time? the engine management light doesn't come on yeah?

There must be something similar, as that switch is like a kill switch for an event of an accident. It resetted the ECU for me and it worked fine. I'm crap with electronics, but if there is a way of replacing the transistor, i'd give that a try. hope you can get it sorted soon
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:( when i turn the key to the first stage - ie fuel pump primes light on dashes etc the EML is on, once you start cranking the car over the light goes out.

I am going to head down to my mates workshop tomoro and see what we can salvage - im worried about losing my map though - cost me a fortune to get it done lol
 
joe said:
:( when i turn the key to the first stage - ie fuel pump primes light on dashes etc the EML is on, once you start cranking the car over the light goes out.

I am going to head down to my mates workshop tomoro and see what we can salvage - im worried about losing my map though - cost me a fortune to get it done lol
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Is your map on a eprom chip? If so you can swap the chip into another socketed obd1 ecu.
 
Can you tell me the number printed on circuit board beside that transistor, it should start with the letter "Q"
 
joe said:
Vtec6000 - Q31

PS; what does an EPROM chip look likE?
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Ah ok, reason that transistor has burnt out is due to someone plugging in purge control solenoid plug into the IAT sensor at some stage, common mistake. You can replace that transistor. However I don't believe it would actually prevent the engine from starting.

Eprom chip
SST-chip-lrg.gif
 
Right ok well that certainly wasn't me because electronics are not my forte!

Yes I am running one of those Eprom chips.

I'm puzzled as to why my engine won't start if the Q31 transistor won't prevent the engine from starting?!

I have fuel, spark, what else could it be?

baring in mind my car started perfectly fine yesterday!?
 
Do you have an aftermarket alarm fitted? Immobiliser perhaps?
 
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