Not firing

[Keith]

I seem to be having nothing but trouble with my fto . Came out this
evening and it would not start. Its not firing. The AA guy checked it
and said it was sparking so it must be the fuel pump. All fuses
were ok too. Anything else it could be?

[steelroe]

Wouldn't be an immobiliser by any chance. I presume the starter is engaging and turning. Maybe reset the alarm. Also reset the ECU.
Let us know how you get on.

Rory

[Keith]

starter is engaging and turning. I disconnected the battery for a while to reset the ECU. Didn't know where to switch of the alarm but still not luck.

[kevinod]

Something that happened a friend of mine, he parked on a hill when he was low on petrol and the car wouldn't start. The petrol drained away from where the fuel pump sucked it from. It wasn't a FTO but maybe a possibility?

Check your ECU diagnostics too just in case that shows up something, there's a how to at http://www.ftowa.com/html/workshop/workshopart07.html.

hope that helps,
Kev.

[Keith]

I had just filled the tank up before it failed.

If the ecu had a code stored, would it not stay on or flash or something?
I'm not that confident of wiring it up yet, too afraid of damaging specially with my luck.

I disabled the alarm but it made no difference. Is the immobiliser in the key as car of the standard build or definitely in the alarm?

[kevinod]

There's no standard immobiliser that I'm aware of so I'd say the alarm, unless anyone can suggest otherwise?

The ecu code is only displayed when you earth that connection point on the connector, and it flashes then, but otherwise it won't show on the dash.

If you could get someone with a MUT-II diagnostic computer (Mitsubishi-specific standard) that could connect it to your car better again, but unless you have contacts your Mitsi dealer might charge a good few quid for doing it.

If you're sure the alarm is disabled (incl any immobiliser in it), the car is sparking, and all the fuses are ok, I'd say you'll have to bring it to someone who can have a look and try to diagnose the problem. Just don't fall in to the trap of not agreeing exactly what they're going to do and how much it will cost you beforehand!!

Unless your timing is gone way out, which I really doubt, it could well be something to do with the fuel pump, and thats an area you don't want to mess with if you're not a fairly accomplished mechanic methinks!

If you haven't had a look at the FTO workshop manual (part 1) from the downloads page, section 11A-10 (p41 of pdf) deals with ignition timing, although needs the MUT-II computer. The fuel section is in section 13 (~p75 of pdf), it mentions what can malfunction and what the symptom would be if those parts did malfunction.

Prob not much help I'm afraid but all I've got... If you can check the code from the ECU before you talk to a mechanic it would be a very good plan, always good to be 'armed' with as much knowledge as possible going in so they have less opportunity to take advantage!

Kev.

[Speedyboy]

If the ecu had a code stored, would it not stay on or flash or something?
I'm not that confident of wiring it up yet, too afraid of damaging specially with my luck.

I was weary of doing it the first time but the aussie site explains it well and you cant go too far wrong, If your not sure get someone else to check that your earthing the right pin .

[steelroe]

Keith,

If you have spark then must not have fuel. What I would firstly do is disconnect the fuel supply pipe (follow the pipe from the outlet of the petrol filter and disconnect where it is joimned to the injectors) hold it into a small container and get someone to crank the engine. This will show if you have flow from the pump. If you have no flow then I would remove the feul pump under the rear seat and see if the gauze is blocked. Actually before removing the pump check if you are getting fuel to the inlet side of the petrol filter. Filter may be blocked.

If a error code was detected by the ECU then the MIL light (engine warning light) would be on or have come on at some stage.
Several other things would stop it from starting.
Problem with Crank angle sensor.
Give me a call if you want and we can go throught a few things 086 6029362

Rory

[Keith]

cheers Rory, as im not mechanically skilled whatsoever I thought it best to leave into someone. That might have been a mistake. I left it into Cobby's on the naas road (next door to the red cow) last thursday morning. Told me I wouldn't have the car back for the weekend. Thought thats ok as i figured it might end up being a big job. Saturday evening the guy still hadn't even looked at the car. He then says to me that he will try look at it before the end of next week, that it could be a long term job.

After talkin to a few places McNamaras in ballyboc said they could do it and might have it done by monday evening if i can get it in early monday morning. Hopefully he can. Will let you's know if he does.

[Keith]

Turns out it was a faulty electrical connection to the fuel pump that was causing problem. Its done now. It cost 300 euro on top of the 200 euro for the tow trucks.

[Keith]

The car failed again on me last saturday with the same problem. They took it back in and had it all week. They didn't charge me labour the second time but hit me with a bill for another 300 euro for parts. They said that they replaced the fuel pump and all the wiring.

Can someone tell me where I can find this pump, I want to check if it has actually been changed?

[steelroe]

Keith

The feul pump is under the back seat. Remove the seat by pulling the release tabs. You will see a rectangular plate in the middle of the floor. Unscrew this panel to reveal the top of the tank anf the pump us screwed in to the top of the tank.

Get the Part number off the pump and maybe we can see if it was changed.

It is rare for the pump to pack in. Usually the gause blocks up. Maybe ask for the old pump make up some excuse to see it.

Rory

[Keith]

Cheers, will be going through the car on sat so will let you know. thanks.