JSF2004 0 Posted August 30, 2008 Hopefully someone will know where to go to hunt down the problem that I will try to explain clearly.. Ok, on trackday, car was going well, but started to splutter around hard left hand corners...when cornering would splutter then soon as I hit the straight, it seemed to stop.... Fuel tank full minus 25 miles from driving to venue... Car running well, temp and pressures normal...no issues mechanically... Pulled off, had a cuppa, car cooled off, went out again, same again, then it just stopped...completely.... Can still turn ignition lights etc on....but....starter motor wont turn, although works as tested it... Fuel Pump only works with key turned (to cranking position)...when in normal ignition position it stops... The starter motor did work intermittently, and the car started, but would only run with starter motor still running as in this position the fuel pump worked!! Can anyone shed any light on this...I thought it must be a fuel pump relay or something, but why the starter motor issues? P.s I do have an immobiliser....could this be the root of all this evil!!! Thanks for your help in advance.. James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted August 31, 2008 guess there are a few things it could be, but does sound electrical. you could try checking the earthing points and, also, problems with the electrical lead into the distributor can cause the cutting-out-whilst-cornering problems described. couple of ideas to get you started anyway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,542 Posted August 31, 2008 At a guess it sounds like you have two issues, 1) The wiring to the solenoid on the starter motor is dicky, meaning that it isn't getting the signal to start. This is a very common 205 fault, do a search as it has been covered a few times to say the least. 2) The tachymetric relay (fuel pump relay) is acting up, this functions to kick the fuel pump in whilst you are cranking the engine on the starter, and then it should hold it in when the engine is running. It sounds like it is not holding it in. I'd try a new relay for a start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSF2004 0 Posted August 31, 2008 Cheers for the help guys, much appreciated....! I am going to go and have a look for the fuel pump relay if it stops raining ever.... Can you give me a defintite idea where is it and what it looks like...is it a simple pull out and replace part or tricky... I have searched the forum and there seems to be some confusion what it looks like and whether it is in the engine bay or under the sterring column Thanks as always James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacey205 2 Posted August 31, 2008 (edited) Tachymetric relay is under the dash (drivers side above the little cubby hole) right next to the ECU. I seem to remember its to the RHS (might be wrong though) and is a small black square (think its about 4/5cm long and 3/4cm wide), and its got 6 pins. HTH Michael Edited August 31, 2008 by pacey205 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,542 Posted August 31, 2008 Agree with above, if you take the tray to the right of the steering column above where your feet go off, you will easily see it next to the ECU. One screw to undo then unplug the old, plug in the new. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremy 71 Posted September 1, 2008 Check all the wiring in the engine bay, as believe me it does not take much for a wire to short. I had a very similar thing happen on my old 1.6. It turned out that the wires between the cam sprocket and the inner wing were chaffing on the inner wing every time I turned left eventually causing the insulation on the wire to wear away. This then caused a short making the car cut out, and all because when I did the head gasket I did not use a cable tie to secure them properly back to the inner wing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSF2004 0 Posted September 2, 2008 Thanks for all the kind help to date Ok, I think I have found it..it is clamped on to the ECU to the right of the steering column... I still cant get the starter motor to turn but will persevere with that!! Just in case I have issues, please can anyone recommend a good auto-electrician (mobile) who covers the Kettering area, or would anyone here fancying earning a few quid on the side!! Thanks again!! James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted September 2, 2008 The tachymetric relay is definately in one of two places depending on the age of your car. Those made up to around mid 1988 are likely to have the relay in a black box attached to the chassis rail in front of the battery tray, all those made since then or with the phase 1.5/2 newer style of dash will have it under the dash next to the ecu. If the fuel pump runs after you have tried to start it then it is very possible that the solenoid wire has come off its tab so the relay is still sending power to the fuel pump. When you fix the startng issue to try to solve the misfire & other running problems you'll need to start checking whats not happening when it doe sit again. If it won't start again when you've got the starter functioning then work thorugh things step by step to see whats not there. Fuel ot spark. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites