Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[big acme]

Hi guys,

Having an intermittent non-start problem. Engine turning over lively enough, but will not fire up. Also the alarm sounds at turn over (and sometimes while I'm stopped at traffic lights too, just to get the heads turning my way!).
Anyway, if I disconnect negative lead from battery, then reconnect after 30-60mins, the car starts fine!
I'm thinking it's an immobiliser fault. Am I way off? If it is, can I bypass?

Cheers
Big Acme

[Bo Bo]

The bonnet alarm switch seems to liable to faults, try disconnecting it to see if it stops the alarm sounding.

[TheBoy]

If immobiliser, the EML will flash...

[big acme]

Not the immobiliser then. No EML flashing.

[Marks DTM Calib]

First thoughts are crank sensor and knackered batteries in the power sounder (unplug it, its in the drivers side scuttle).

But, do also check the main battery earths under the battery tray and if you can get to it, the one above the aircon pulley on the engine block.

[big acme]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. This gives me some things to try this weekend, so I'll check them all out and get back to you with the results.
I've got a new spare crankshaft sensor..."one I made earlier"...that I bought a while back, on the recommendation of an AA engineer who reckoned I'd be looking for one sooner or later! However, being  "a tad" over 20st and with hands to match, I do forsee me having some sore knuckles before I'm done!
If any other ideas come to mind, please feel free to add them to my list of things to do.
Thanks again
Big A

[TheBoy]

If you do change crank sensor, do not follow original cable route - not only is it flawed (running alongside hot oil pipes), its nigh on impossible (I did mine, took hours). Instead, bring it up by ABS unit (securing so it cannot touch exhaust) and over to plug.

[big acme]

Thanks for this info. I'd planned to remove the old sensor, tape or tie the connector end of the new one to the sensor end of the old one and feed it/pull it up, so that it followed the original path. Am I correct in assuming the shielding on the sensor cable does not protect it sufficiently and is that why this particular item is such a problem with Omegas?
My main concern was actually at the top connector, where it's just too tight a fit for me to plug it in! I don't know if I could get long nose pliers or some similar tool (perhaps a noose type affair running through a copper tube, like a smaller version of the thing they use to restrain vicious dogs...if that makes sense...I'm a former precision toolmaker to trade, but my car mechanic skills are very limited) to avoid me having to remove all the window wiper cowling.

[TheBoy]

Remove wipers and scuttle - only takes a few mins...

[big acme]

Checked bonnet sensor. Nope. Still sounding alarm on start-up.
Have noticed it's prone to kick in the alarm when I brake...if that makes any sense.