Break down and mad problem!!

[sinlessgunner]

Ok today I went to pick up my girlfriend and on the way back Lights 1 and 4 on the dash (The exhaust warning light and the Engine system warning light) flashed on. I thought the car had switched off but it hadn't but then they turned off straight away. Drove the car twice after that no problems. Then later tonight I parked up, went into the shop, came back 2 mins later and when I turned on the ignition neither of those lights would come on (like they're supposed to), and the car turned over but wouldn't start. Rang around (thanks Rory, sorry about the late-ness of the call), nobody had any ideas. Was going to get a tow, Mechanic came out to me, checked the fuses, no problem, opened the oil cap and told me to turn the car to see if the timing belt had gone and the car started!! After an hour of nothing it just started. Anyway got it home, turned it off and same problem, so for the craic I opened the oil cap again, and sure enough, the lights were back on and the car started.........What the hell is going on!!

EDIT: Done a diagnostic this morning, the light just flashed continuously so I presume that means theres no codes coming up? I done the diagnostic a few weeks ago though for a different reason and got code 62 - Air intake control valve position sensor - that maybe the source of the problem? And thanks Dan I'm hoping it's just something minor like that and easy fixed!!

[d_dan]

Sounds like an air pressure problem and that the car is getting its air from the oil entrance.maybe the breather pipe is clogged maybe the valve.

[steelroe]

You sure the oil cap is not just coincidense.

I doubt it is drawing air in the oil filler as the pressure form the engine would blow out.

I think you need to check the induction servo, If that is not operating then air cant get into the cylinders.

[sinlessgunner]

Maybe so I'm not sure. On another note, I checked the oil levels and they are DANGEROUSLY low. Way below the minimum mark, I've been neglecting the car lately but I checked the oil levels not long ago and they were fine. Would low oil levels cause the car to do what it done. Going to do a complete oil change today (whats left of it) and book it in for a full service next weekend. This is really annoying me, I need my car to get to work but I'm afriad to drive it!!

[Myfeckin FTO]

Is the FTO loosing any oil - i.e. is there marks on the driveway under the car?

[sinlessgunner]

No it's not losing oil. Theres no marks on the drive. There is a small leak but its only very small beside the rocker cover. Doesn't drip. Had to just top up the oil couldn't do a change. Getting seriously worried about this...especially because nobody has a clue what it is...Would it be safe to drive? It's still driving ok...

[Muad_dib77]

any untowards clunking from the engine when it's running?

[sinlessgunner]

Just changed the oil there so see how that goes. The car is running 100% today that's what I can't understand. Could it even be put down to a loose wire? The engine is fine no strange noises or knocks. It just happened that time and the problem seems to have solved itself as quickly and mysteriously as it started. I've to drive from Longford to Dublin tonight and I'm a bit wary of it.

[Dragonheart]

What oil are you using? If its too visious it would run through the car quicker and get used up faster, might be the source of the lack of oil problem.

[sinlessgunner]

Dragonheart I'm using Castrol Magnetec 10w40 so that shouldn't be a problem. Oil consumption isn't heavy in the car, I do a lot of mileage though so I just need to keep a better watch on it. And I drove to Dublin last night with no problems so fingers crossed it was just a fluke and thats the end of it...

[fatboyfat7]

between yourself and Masa you have 2 self healing cars! Wish mine would be like that...

[sinlessgunner]

Ok update on this...

Happened again on Friday evening. Drove home from Dublin no problems, turned off the car then when I turned the ignition back on, no engine or exhaust light and car wouldn't start. So took off the oil cap again and...nothing (Rory...coincidence theory correct). Girlfriends dad came out to look at it, checked everything, starter motor, sensors, battery...he was ages at it. He opened the fusebox in the engine bay, fuses were ok then he closed the box and slapped it shut. As soon as he done that the engine and exhaust lights came on. He hit it again and sure enough the engine and exhaust lights went off and car wouldn't start, hit it again and they came back on and the car started. So problem = loose fuse/bad connection.

Fusible Link

10-30A Power Window
11-50A ABS
12-40A Ignition Key
13-30A Radiator Fan
14-40A Lamp
15-20A MPI
16-80A Alternator
17-60A J/B

It has to be one of these but does anyone know which one? What does MPI and J/B mean? Don't want to go messing at them without knowing what they are!!

[steelroe]

MPI one I would think. Could be a corroded fuse.

JB is just junction box
MPI = multi point injection