Strange Behaviour

[Quarryman 1]

Took the car out for a spin before Christmas. Weather was pretty cold.

 

Got out for a walk. Came back a couple of hours later and turned the key. It seemed like the spring was gone in the ignition as there was no force back when i had it turned fully to start.

 

Anyway, drove off but electrics were acting up. All the dials were dead and the wipers weren't working.

 

Got home and realised the key was turned slightly too far and i think it was almost in the start position (but obviously not trying to turn the starter as i would have heard it). Taking care to turn the key the correct distance everything seemed to work fine again.

 

Now however it seems the car wants to run very high on idle (2k) and i'm seeing a pretty smokey exhaust. It seems to start from cold at 1500rpm and then rise after a few seconds to 2k. I tried adjusting the idle control until the valve was completely closed but it still wants to sit at 2k. I'm not sure if this means its running very rich or not.

 

I had just sorted a new AFM that sorted a hunting idle problem so not sure if this is related.

 

Air leak?

Dodgy electrics?

AFM?

[peakrevs 0]

Took the car out for a spin before Christmas. Weather was pretty cold.

 

Got out for a walk. Came back a couple of hours later and turned the key. It seemed like the spring was gone in the ignition as there was no force back when i had it turned fully to start.

 

Anyway, drove off but electrics were acting up. All the dials were dead and the wipers weren't working.

 

Got home and realised the key was turned slightly too far and i think it was almost in the start position (but obviously not trying to turn the starter as i would have heard it). Taking care to turn the key the correct distance everything seemed to work fine again.

 

Now however it seems the car wants to run very high on idle (2k) and i'm seeing a pretty smokey exhaust. It seems to start from cold at 1500rpm and then rise after a few seconds to 2k. I tried adjusting the idle control until the valve was completely closed but it still wants to sit at 2k. I'm not sure if this means its running very rich or not.

 

I had just sorted a new AFM that sorted a hunting idle problem so not sure if this is related.

 

Air leak?

Dodgy electrics?

AFM?

 

There are three levels of switch on. First position on ign switch operates auxiliary circuits. Second position turms on pump and coil. Third position turns off auxiliary circuits (Posn. one) and operates starter solenoid. In this position both coil and pump are still energised. When the key is released, power is returned to all circuits on position one of the switch.

 

Is it possible that the switch has an internal malfunction and that position one circuits are still off even when the key is returned from starting position.. This might affect sensors and other peripheral circuits causing poor running. In which case, a new switch will sort out the problem.

 

Just an idea.

 

John

[DrSarty 90 1 Cars]

As per John's suggestion.

 

Don't over-complicate things and worry accordingly. One thing at a time. Replace the ignition barrel and take it from there.

[Quarryman 1]

Thanks guys. The switch you refer to is in the ignition barrel?

 

I'll open up the panel around it and have a look. I assumed in typical French fashion this shouldn't be too difficult?

[DrSarty 90 1 Cars]

Well it's the switch on the back of the barrel. I'm sure you can figure it out if you go and look.