Ok, so this afternoon i was stuck in traffic, engine light came on and the car started the idling problems.

So, i get to work and try do a diagnostic check on the ecu by bridging the plug (as showed by modifry)

I think i cocked something up, because after i did it, the car wont start (might have stuck it in the wrong socket... epic fail)

The car would swing over, but no start. There was no engine light apprearing on the dash at all, which means no communication with the ecu (i think)

So, after searching, i found that the alternator fuse had blown, replaced it with a spare and now the engine light shows when the key is on.

Swung it a bit, eventually it fired a little but spluttered and died.

Now it will not start at all !! I have used all the juice in the battery while trying different things. So i cant try any more.

My car is stuck in the parking lot at work, so i cant even get it to a mechanic.

What can i do, what can i check ? ? Plz plz help.

I am in the Uxbridge area if anyone is willing to lend a helping hand tomorrow (will supply beers)

 

update, managed to get it started after leaving it to sit for a while. Let it idle for around 10 minutes before jumping in an attempting to take it home.

I got about 100metres before things went haywire. The dash lights were on and off, it was spluttering under light throtlle ie- there is something horribly wrong.

Had to turn around and park it back at work, and now i am stuck here. FAIL !

 

Call out the RAC.

 

argh, not a member, but i see they charge £70 for a non member callout.

Im going to run through everything tomorrow though, Will start with an oil change, then replace all the vacuum pipes, clean out the throttle body, clean all the sensors, check ht leads, reset the ecu (just ordered a diagnostic kit from ebay but wont arrive til next week).

Anything else i can check ?

 

Well to me it sounds like a dodgy earth or serious computer fault/software glitch.

Think I would be checking all my fuses and earths first...

It sounds much more electrical than mechanical.

 

it is definately an electrical problem, no doubt about that. Will add earthing to my list of things to do tomorrow.

 

Maybe it is the alternator? You should have 14v across the battery when the engine is running.

 

Right, instead of jumping in head first, let's get back to basics

Check you have fuel...can you smell it whilst turning the engine over?

Do you have spark...remove a plug from the head and let it rest on earth as you turn the engine over.

Do you have compression? A garage will be able to check this for you.

Finally, timing...I think we can all assume that it is correct, although if the crank sensor is tits, the timing will be seen as incorrect.

It does sound like the alternator could be the problem, dragging down the power required to start the car...definitely look at that...it could also be a number of fuses. Check the ones in the engine bay and under the dash, driver's side.

HTH

 

Did you have to use a booster pack or charge the battery to start the Car?

 

Well, going all old style on you, I used to have a similar problem on an older car. First of all get the battery checked. Then check that the serpentine belt is correctly tensioned and is turning things as required. Then get the alternator checked. I'll bet it's one of those things.