electrically challenged fto.

[mgtkr1]

lucky to have bought a reasonably nice fto very cheap, dirt cheap in fact but only one catch, the b*****d wont spark let alone run. im confidant i will get to the bottom of the problem sooner or later but just thought you guys may be able to assist? i initially suspected imobiliser/alarm so disconnected it but still no change. im starting to suspect the ecu now. i doubt plugs/leads would go fail at the same time. plugs were swapped prior to me getting it. swapped the crank position sensor aswell. any help will be greatly appreciated, btw great website.

[pergau]

I presume that the alternator is OK

[Kace]

Check the ignition. Easiest way is to completely bypass the ignition. Run a wire from the starter motor up to the battery - when you touch it off the positive terminal, starter will engage and fire up the car.

I have seen this before on a couple of FTOs - not a peep from them until ignition bypassed.

[steelroe]

Ignition failure sensor. Car will turn over but you will have no spark.
Also as you sid I may be an ECU problem.

If there is any doubt about the ALARM system then remove it.

If you get a set of these little beautys http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Ignitio ... .m14.l1318

Invaluable when diagnosing ignition problems. Will show if you have any spark without the risk of getting lifted by the high voltage.

Is it a case the engine is cranking but will not fire???

[mgtkr1]

yes, the car turns over but no spark. ill try the bypass trick to rule out ignition sensor been a culprit. i know the car was running some months back with idle problems, i now know this to be a regular problem on fto's and replacing the stepper motor sorts it. also cleaning sometimes cures it. could this somehow cause a loss of spark? the alarm/immobiliser have been removed as part of the elimination process. thanks you lot for suggestions, cheers matt

[steelroe]

Running a wire to the starter will only crank the engine. This will prove nothing as the engine is already turning over.
What you need to do is bypass the IFS and see what happens.

Download the manuals from this site and use the MPI fault finding section to help you with diagnosis.