Immobiliser problem maybe

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David59
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Suddenly won't start

Post by David59 »

Hello
Sorry not been a frequent visitor on here as at first I had a problem posting but now I could do with some advice please as not that familiar with MR2 mechanics.
I bought my roadster last May and had great fun driving it until SORNed it in November.
Since then it has sat outside and with no problem at all and I have periodically started it and run.

Yesterday I went to do the same after several weeks but I had left the battery connected and there was no power
No problem...jumped it off the Mondeo as I've done before and fired first time and let it run for a few minutes...spent the rest of the day valeting

This morning (hadn't put much charge in yesterday) jumped it again but curiously everytime I removed the jump leads the engine died and it wouldn't run independently. Took the battery leads off, cleaned them and tightened them and tried again. This time a pop noise from the engine bay as I turned the key and then wouldn't fire at all and hasn't since.
Does this ring any bells with anyone please?

I have had a plug lead off and seen a spark.
I've looked at fuses and they all seem ok
I took the air filter off and squirted easy start down and got about a 4 second fire
I've taken the ECU fuse out and then replaced it later

More clues
At one point the alarm module in the front luggage compartment was making a weird noise
When the ignition is off there is still an electrical whirring noise coming from mid engine

Have I fried something?
Many thanks if you can help shed light on this
Kind regards
David


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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by vinp182 »

I’d start by taking the battery off and giving it a full charge before trying again

Could possible have also popped a fuse or relay
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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by jimi »

Every chance the battery is dead. As above remove and charge for at least 12hrs. Meantime I'd you can find/borrow another good battery for testing purposes, connect that up and see what happens.
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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by David59 »

Thanks for the replies so far.. Will charge battery although engine does turn over effortlessly on jump leads
Any idea which fuses I should be looking at please?

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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by S81933 »

David59 wrote: 01/04/20 22:53 although engine does turn over effortlessly on jump leads
Because it's using the donor car battery (alternator power if engine running), not yours.

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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by David59 »

Does anyone know which relay controls the fuel pump please
David
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Re: Suddenly won't start

Post by jimi »

Download the BGB from here https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/download-cats/d ... 3-bgb.html it has wiring diagrams & component locations.
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Immobiliser problem maybe

Post by David59 »

Hello
I posted a few days ago (Suddenly won't start) and since have done some more investigation.

The fuel pump was taken out and bench tested...no problem
I connected a bulb to the fuel pump connector and cranked the engine
Bulb didn't light with ignition on but lit when turned key to start then went out again.

I've tried swapping fuel pump relay with similar relay but no joy.

New clue...The immobiliser light is always flashing despite any key position
Is this relevant please?

Regards
David
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Re: Immobiliser problem maybe

Post by jimi »

On the MK1/MK2 the fuel pump only runs when cranking until the engine starts, then the COR (Circuit Opening Relay) keeps it running. It's a safety feature to ensure that the fuel pump stops if the engine stops running (as in an accident/collision etc) In other words the fuel pump isn't meant to run with the ignition on and the engine not running. I'm pretty sure the MK3 uses a similar system but you need to check the BGB to be sure.
Did you download the BGB from the link I posted ? It has diagnostic charts that may help in finding the problem.

I will merge both your threads since they are both about the same problem and the info in each is relevant to the problem.
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Re: Immobiliser problem maybe

Post by David59 »

Thanks for linking the posts
I did try following your link but it came up as file not found...I'll try again
Incidentally, I temporarily wired the fuel pump so it would run with ignition on but still no joy.
Where can I see in the engine bay (from a disconnected pipe) if fuel is actually making it that far?
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Re: Immobiliser problem maybe

Post by jimi »

David59 wrote: 05/04/20 11:19
I did try following your link but it came up as file not found...I'll try again
:blush: apologies the download wasn't working, should be sorted now :th:
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