Worst Luck with my FTO

[medjy]

Hi Guys,

Bought an FTO 2l Non-Mivec Tiptronic about two months ago. In this time the Alternator has gone, Managed to change it myself with the help of a guide I found on the forum, Radiator fan Motor went, replaced that with one from a galant. The car was then stolen on me (Living in Drumcondra btw) Luckily enough the gards caught them.I then Drove up north in my Girlfriends car to get replacement steering shrouds, ignition, Steering shaft and drivers foot well panel, all that is left now is the damage over both wings and passenger door, caused by garda ramming the car while chasing thieves. Have a guy respraying and panel beating for e550 However now today I just drove back from Limerick to Dublin and went back out to the car and it wouldn't start, I checked the splices for the new ignition wiring for continuity and all seems well (aircraft avionics engineer by trade so fairly well up on electronics) I'm assuming its either the starter motor is gone or the wiring is short or open along the loom, pretty tired tonight so am gonna approach it in the morning with a fresh head, If anyone has any suggestions they would be well recieved and much appreciated. Really thinking about letting her go at this stage, it occupies so much of my time..

Anyway thanks for taking the time.

[Muad_dib77]

Oh My GOD!..

Poor you - I hope you get it sorted..

and ehm..welcome to the forum!

[medjy]

I think it's haunted

[CJ]

Sounds like you've had a lot of bad luck there medjy, this is certainly not the standard FTO experience! What model do you have by the way? When you engage thje ignition, does the starter relay click at all? It could be somethng as simple as a flat battery, whats the dash voltmeter reading, are the internal electrics / lights working OK? You could try taking a live feed direct off the battery and connect directly to the starter to see if it engages, this would rule out mechanical faults.

CJ

[medjy]

Hey Cj, The car is the 2litre V6 Non-Mivec, 94 model, 4 speed a/t,(GPX methinks?) battery is reading 12v. Driving home yesterday I did have a/c and radio on so I reckon thats why it's only sitting at 12v (correct me if I'm wrong) All elec are fine, Can hear the relay throwing also. I'll try taking a direct feed from the battery and from the battery of a Hyundai Accent here just ti rule out the battery issue, If that fails I'm thinking, beat the starter with a big block of wood. Sure I'll keep you posted. Thanks

[CJ]

Hey Cj, The car is the 2litre V6 Non-Mivec, 94 model, 4 speed a/t,(GPX methinks?) battery is reading 12v. Driving home yesterday I did have a/c and radio on so I reckon thats why it's only sitting at 12v (correct me if I'm wrong) All elec are fine, Can hear the relay throwing also. I'll try taking a direct feed from the battery and from the battery of a Hyundai Accent here just ti rule out the battery issue, If that fails I'm thinking, beat the starter with a big block of wood. Sure I'll keep you posted. Thanks

If its a non MIVEC, its a GR. The old trick of smacking the starter is deffo worth a try, I know a few people who have had success with this method.
When the engine is off, the voltmeter will read 12V, it should read about 14V once the alternator kicks in (regardless opf the load).

CJ

[medjy]

It's sorted, turned out the lead running from the ignition to the starter is just filthy at the terminal, Took it off and jumped straight from the battery and this proved successful, then cleaned the plastic snap connection and hey presto! working fine when I replaced it. Thank god, cheers for the help. Really Appreciate it.

Great forum,
Wont be a stranger round here but hopefully I'll be answering questions not asking them please god.

[CJ]

Nice one medjy, at least you got it sorted quickly!

CJ