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[Liam]

 

I remember buying my beloved elite after much research resigned to the fact that one day, crank sensor failure would leave me stranded.  Two and a half years of totally trouble free omega-ing and I think it may be finally happening (or is it something else?).

Couple of weeks ago it just wouldn't fire when I wanted to go home after some shopping.  This was one of those 30+ degree days.  About half an hour later when i was threatening to join the RAC it fired and off we went home.  Paperclip gave 31 whilst it was refusing to fire (is that the generic stating-the-obvious your engine's not running code?).

Few days later similar story, but this time it didn't fire up until just after RAC arrived (embarrasing) with a near flat battery from all my attempts.  He was pretty good and ruled out lots of simple stuff doing checks on my battery, terminals, earth etc etc.  He thought it was crank sensor which backs up what i think, and he didn't try and sell me a battery despite his super duper machine telling me mine was poorly (maybe they've dropped that policy?)!!

Crank sensor was put well up on my list of things to do but still haven't got round to it.  Yeah yeah i know i know it's all my fault.

Today it actually cut out whilst driving but for some reason it gave me 'automatic gearbox' on the MID.  This has confused me .  After a couple of restart attempts still rolling I realised of course it wouldnt still in drive.  Popped to neutral and it fired up.  On the way home it did it again, 'automatic gearbox' again but wouldn't restart.  Then it did, then it broke down again, then I got towed home.

So the question is, is it the crank sensor going or not?  What is this 'automatic gearbox' message all about?  Is it perhaps some sort of red-herring caused by coasting along at 30 in drive with the engine cut out?

Any advice from the gurus much appreciated!  To self: Hmmm, I guess now's not a good time to post my cheeky 'anyone wanna swap a saloon for an estate' attempt.  But I digress...

Cheers,

Liam

[achoo81]

Hi Liam, that's more or less what happened to me only difference was I didn't get any warning it just cut out on a rounabout right outside the headquaters of Devon & Cornwall Police I also got the 'Gearbox' warning on the MID it's caused through the loss of pressure in the box. Your problem is very likley to be the crank sensor to confirm it try the paperclip test or get someone to read the codes your looking for a code 19.  

[feeutfo]

crank sensor said to throw all sorts of other codes. Change c sensor and i think youll find all will be well.

[TheBoy]

sounds crank sensor

[Liam]

OK guys, thanks!  Crank sensor it is then.  I'm also going to take this opportunity to do...

Rocker gaskets/breathers
Oil change
Brake fluid
Thermostat which I think stuck open in winter
Plugs and leads

What's the best way to buy parts nowadays?  Still Autovaux or trade club?  Is there a friendly card owner in the Bedford area or can you still get em joining a VBOA club like Autobahnstormers?  Is it worth it for what I need (though of course i'll need stuff in the future)?

Much appreciated,

Liam

[johnnycboy]

OK guys, thanks!  Crank sensor it is then.  I'm also going to take this opportunity to do...

Rocker gaskets/breathers
Oil change
Brake fluid
Thermostat which I think stuck open in winter
Plugs and leads

What's the best way to buy parts nowadays?  Still Autovaux or trade club?  Is there a friendly card owner in the Bedford area or can you still get em joining a VBOA club like Autobahnstormers?  Is it worth it for what I need (though of course i'll need stuff in the future)?

Much appreciated,

Liam

worth its weight in gold

[MutantCav]

Very much sounds it...but if you get the car running, do the paperclip test then...should be difinitive 19 code...