Won't Start After Work Done

[PhilCTI 1]

I've had to do a lot of work to get my '88 1.6 cti ready for MOT, and now I can't get it to start,

 

I've replaced the clutch, steering column, starter motor and front suspension.

 

While doing the clutch, I made sure to clean the gearbox earth on refitting, the steering column used the original wiring, and I changed the starter motor as sometimes I was getting the click and no start. I also changed the two water temp sensors and the afm for spare ones to try and help as emissions wouldn't go below 5% at a pre mot check.

 

I've searched through the forum and checked everything I could, all connections and fuses look good,the ignition lights come on, turn switch right round to start and can hear relay click, but nothing was happening. I was not getting 12V at the starter solenoid and ran another cable from ignition, to a joint that splits off to the sad, starter solenoid, and two other small cables (I haven't got a brown multiplug) Now she turns over well, but is still not starting.

 

I checked the coil main lead with a spark plug and no spark, also no 12V at the coil either, I replaced the lead from the dizzy to the ignition amp as it looked damaged, but still no joy.

 

Now I'm really fed up, and don't know what to try next,

 

Phil

[Sandy 191]

Check you haven't trapped a wire when bolting up the steering column, done that before!

[PhilCTI 1]

Thanks Sandy,

 

I've had a good look around and can't see anything wrong, it was a good thought though

 

phil

[jonah 1]

ran another cable from ignition, to a joint that splits off to the sad, starter solenoid, and two other small cables (I haven't got a brown multiplug)

I don't understand this bit, where on the ignition do you mean? And there shouldn't be a joint that goes to the SAD and starter solenoid!

 

See if you can get the starter to turn without this extra cable first of all, the two problems are probably related. Possibly a problem with the connections to the ignition barrel - these go through the connectors above and to the right of the drivers footwell.

 

Couple of other things, do you have an immobiliser or an alarm that interrupts the ignition circuit? Do you get 12V at fuse 1 with the ignition switched on?

[PhilCTI 1]

I don't understand this bit, where on the ignition do you mean? And there shouldn't be a joint that goes to the SAD and starter solenoid!

 

See if you can get the starter to turn without this extra cable first of all, the two problems are probably related. Possibly a problem with the connections to the ignition barrel - these go through the connectors above and to the right of the drivers footwell.

 

Couple of other things, do you have an immobiliser or an alarm that interrupts the ignition circuit? Do you get 12V at fuse 1 with the ignition switched on?

 

Hi Jonah,

 

It has had a replacement engine put in from a gti before I bought it, so I might be unearthing other peoples bodges as I go!

 

I have a spare ignition switch and cabling that I have tried with no difference, it definately won't turn the starter with either installed. I ran a cable from the starter solenoid direct to the battery and the starter motor worked so I found the cable which was live from the ignition switch when in the start position and spliced into it.

 

The other end maybe a problem then. I followed back the original cable to the starter solenoid into the wiring loom above the starter motor looking for any problems and found the joint, which as I said also goes to the sad and two other small cables also are connected there.

 

It was starting and running before I did the other work, so I don't understand what I've done to make it not start, although the cabling (sad etc) might be why the engine was running a bit rough and had emission problems

 

I do have a foxguard alarm on it which appears to be working normally, I did try starting with the alarm module removed and it made no difference.

 

I'll have to try testing the fuse voltage tomorrow, and start trying to figure out how it all should be wired!

 

thanks for your help

 

Phil

[PhilCTI 1]

I spent most of last night and sneaky moments at work today looking at the wiring diagrams, the more I looked at them the more convinced I was it had to be due to the alarm/immobiliser not working.

 

Sure enough when I got home, I confirmed that the alarm was stopping the voltages away from the ignition switch. I want to fit a better alarm anyway so I ripped the old one out, sorted the sad wiring out and hey presto it started first time, what a relief!!

 

Now hopefully I can get her running better, get her through the mot, and actually get to drive it,

 

Thanks everyone for the help,

 

Phil