ZX1.4 very reluctant starting.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 24 Dec 2008, 13:16

Right -

I should know.
But its X-mas, and right now the in-laws are stranded in my driveway with a near-dead '95 ZX14 reflex 3door.

The starter cranks the engine fine, but the engine wont fire.
Whats the most likely problem - as a first quickie ?

(yes - I'm pulling on my workshop overalls and finding my toolbox, but it takes some time before I've found the problem I recon

)

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 24 Dec 2008, 17:35

It's just a cunning move on the part of the in-laws to saty at your house over Christmas Anders

"Sorry, we'll have to stay because the car won't start"

First quick checks will all be electical. Make sure the fuel pump is running. can you hear it whirr when you first turn on the ignition?

A total non-start will invariably be a loss of something electrical. Check all connectors are properly home.

Anders, I don't know why I'm telling you this

This is the kind of stuff you tell others every day

Is the immobiliser doing it's thing? If it's a keypad type, is the green light coming on OK. If it is remaining locked when cranking, it'll bleep.

If it's just very reluctant to start and runs very roughly, check the pipe leading to the MAP sensor if the sensor is mounted away from the inlet manifold. It perishes and/or blocks up.

Has it got petrol in it? Not the first time I've gone through all the checks just to find the tank is dry!!!!

Hope it sorts out Anders and in any case, a very happy Danish Christmas

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 24 Dec 2008, 18:49

Thanks for your merry answer Jim 8)

I didnt get a chance to open the hood, before my own BX disappeared with the in-laws. They were pretty busy trying to reach the church.

We'll see tomorrow ...

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 24 Dec 2008, 19:48

happy crimbo Anders

which church is that the one with pumps,nuts and mince pies on the counter

TEA HE

regards malcolm

Sl4yer · Unread post by **Sl4yer** » 24 Dec 2008, 20:15

Unlikely, but it happened to mine once...

Try cranking with the accelerator pressed, in case the idle stepper motor has died.

James

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 25 Dec 2008, 13:57

Thanks guys.

Cristmas is no excuse

Well in this case it was very simple :
Both battery clamps had been cleaned off, and smeared with copper grease inside.
The plus clamp was not tight, so a layer of burnt grease had worsened matters.
A little wriggling with the plus clamp, and the engine sprung into life first try.

When he is back with my BX, he will be busy cleaning up the mess in his own car

If the problem persist, I will however try a play with the (IN-)famous dual Bosch injector relay.
Years ago I had exactly this relay teasing me for weeks in a 206

BTW : cheers malcolm

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 25 Dec 2008, 14:21

Anders, excellent

So pleased it turned out something nice and simple...