Citroen CX Gti Turbo 2 1988 non starter

[asl1978]

Hello

I have a 1988 Citroen CX Gti Turbo 2... it has always and I mean always started every time and the suspension goes up and down beaitifully. We had an issue with the hazards that we needed to fix for the mot. We replaced a relay and checked fuses etc... and ever since she is a complete non starter. She does turn over but has of course sagged now so that the suspension is down and is very difficult to move.

My questions is.... help! We feel like we have checked everything but we cannot get her to turnover at all. We think the 'big blue' is working but if she isn't I cannot find a source for a replacement anywhere. I have read that I can use Hella 4RP 008 189-111, Huco 132040, Lucas FDB505 that's if this is even the issue.

Thanks in advance!

[mickthemaverick]

Did you perform a BSI reset after the relay was changed? :

viewtopic.php?p=601679#p601679

[RichardW]

Crank no start, or no crank? If it will crank then either fuel or spark is missing, a bit of easy start or brake clean will tell you which (it will run on the brake clean if the fuel is missing, it won't if the spark (or both) is missing). If it won't crank then issue with the start circuit or the starter. Basic checks as to whether there is voltage at the starter when in crank position, and whether it will crank if you apply 12V to the solenoid, or short the terminals on the starter.

[moizeau]

As Richard said, basics first. Then have a read of this
https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=88530
I got called to a car that had been sat up over winter today, no crank, new battery. Engine earth, found with a voltmeter while cranking. Under load the resistance builds, without load it was showing batt voltage

[wurlycorner]

Did you perform a BSI reset after the relay was changed? :

No BSI on a CX - way before they were a thing!


As a couple of others have said, not clear if this is a no-start, or a no-crank.

If this is a no crank, then big blue has nothing to do with it.
A couple of things to try:
First - remove, clean and refit the battery terminals.

Second - connect a good jump lead from somewhere on the engine (around the water pump somewhere) to the negative terminal on the battery and try again. If this works, then your earth lead from engine-chassis/battery is bad.

Third - whacking the starter with a heavy spanner a couple of times and trying it. If that works, then brushes in the starter likely worn out or the solenoid is sticking.

Fourth - make sure car is in a neutral and then look at the battery, near the positive terminal. You'll see a wire (possibly yellow) with a single spade connect male-female (probably red coloured housing). Disconnect that and touch the side nearest the engine, onto the positive battery terminal.
The starter should crank.
If it doesn't, then the fault is with your starter/the cabling from battery to starter.
If it does crank, then the fault is between the ignition switch (could be that itself) to that spade connector. nb: if you have ignition on and hold the terminal to the positive terminal, you can crank until the engine starts - one of mine has always had a temperamental ignition switch and this is how I start it, when that happens!


If this is a crank no-start, when you turn on the ignition on and crank, can you hear the fuel pump run? (listen near the rear wheel - if not sure, then unplug the starter spade connector I mention above/picture below and that will stop the starter spinning while you hold the ignition switch in 'crank').
If so, then that side of big blue is working fine.
If not, then if you jump across the back of terminals 2 and 8 on big blue (use a reasonable gauge wire) the fuel pump should run. Try starting the car again. If it starts, you'll probably find it will keep running but the revs rise and then cut, rise and cut - this is because the ECU doesn't like not being in control of big-blue. If this works, then yes, big blue is your culprit.
If fuel pump does not run, then you have a problem with the fuel pump/wiring to it and for that... You need to get under the back of the car I'm afraid!

Other than that, as I think others have already suggested, check if you have spark (pull an HT lead off a spark plug, stick a spare plug on the end of it and hold the side of the plug onto the rocker cover while someone cranks - you should see spark).

Let us know how you get on...

[mickthemaverick]

Good point Iain!!

[wurlycorner]

Photo of the single wire/spade terminal I’m referring to, near the positive terminal on the battery.
Caveats: The cover on the left hand half of this connector is broken/fallen off and this is actually a pic from the DTR T2 on my driveway, rather than from one of my GTi Turbo’s, as they’re away in barns. The wire and spade terminal covers may be a different colour, but this should at least give you a clear idea what I’m talking about!

[wurlycorner]

Sorry I've just re-read OP again and... You do say 'does turn over' so it does crank - sorry for missing that the first time!
Oh well, ignore my suggestions for no-crank then, and just see suggestions on the fuel pump and spark...