Why Won't My Car Start?

[willis 18 1 Cars]

Hi,

 

I started my 1990 1.6 GTI about a week ago and it was fine. Now, when I try and start it turns over but nothing. I can't hear the fuel pump so could be this or the relay? I have tried to find the pump to put my multimeter on it but I can't see it (probably right in front of me!). I had a phase one a few years back and it was under the back seat. The strange thing is I'm sure that earlier on the fuel gauge wasn't registering anything at all but now it is.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks

[dcc 855]

under rear seats.

[willis 18 1 Cars]

I didn't lift the carpet back!

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

Two black plastic plugs cover the pump and sender.

[willis 18 1 Cars]

I cleaned up the connector as it was properly filthy under there and it fired up (though I couldn't hear it making any noise?) I'm not convinced and can see it being one of those intermittent issues.

 

Maybe to be continued......

[welshpug 1,657]

I'd replace the tachymetric relay

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

Mei is proberly right, mine had same symptoms as yours and was the relay I ended up stranded by the roadside,new relay and all was good.

 

Don't go to Pug for one unless you fancy spending a small fortune.

Edited June 30, 2013 by farmer

[willis 18 1 Cars]

Is that the one to the right of steering rack? I take it this rules out the pump?

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

Yeah should be around that area. It's a 7 pin relay.

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/car-regulators-relays-and-solenoids

 

Hella relay.

 

Pug are £120 for the genuine unit.

Edited June 30, 2013 by farmer

[willis 18 1 Cars]

Looks like this?

Edited June 30, 2013 by willis

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

 

Should look like that with 7 pins.

Edited June 30, 2013 by farmer

[willis 18 1 Cars]

Yes, that's the kiddie. Thanks guys.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Often the solder joints In the relay fail, You may be able to repair.

£120??? Sold my last one for £5!

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

0000145205 RELAIS 99.17 GBP 99.17 GBP 119.00 GBP 119.00 GBP 119.00 GBP 119.00 GBP

 

 

 

 

 

 

[willis 18 1 Cars]

It doesn't really explain why nothing was touched around the relay and it started working. It was very hot today so it could be this I guess. Would the relay affect my gauge reading?

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

Mine had intermittant problems for starting and eventually the relay failed, which i can only assume was the problem as i have been ok since.

[omri617 18]

A way to test the relay for failure is connecting the pump to 12V from the battery and see if it runs? Asking..

[MikeC 10]

Got mine off peugeot for €47. Citreon may be cheaper.