11 replies to this topic

[Avl_Paul]

Here is a strange problem to troubleshoot and I need all the help I can get:

Car will not start due to fuel pump and injector is not running when key on or when crank. When you key on, the fuel pump never is started (like it ususally runs for few seconds and stops).

We have gone over the electrical / fuel system and determined that the fuel pump is functional but it is getting no power from the relay. The issue is NOT the inertia switch - no power there either.

Here is where it gets strange: if you put a few drops of gas down in the intake, the car will fire right up and then run fine. Ie. once the engine fires, the fuel pump and injector start running! If you shut it off and still have enough residual fuel in the intake, it will start again BUT if there is not enough fuel in there to restart, it won't fire. We powered the fuel pump directly to make sure there was constant pressure at the injector and it still would not start. So, neither the fuel pump or the injectors are starting when you crank the engine. But they start after the engine is running. Does this make any sense to anyone? Sprocket help!!!

Many thanks in advance.

Edited by Avl_Paul, 19 January 2008 - 07:20 PM.

[ICAM]

I'm having the same problem as yours but my fuel pump energize duriong IG ON.
What I did was cleaning the injector (The yellow thing) some slight dust trap at the strainer. making no spray during starting. I have posted the procedure at topic(Standard Air Filter - Spi ).

Edited by ICAM, 21 January 2008 - 05:26 PM.

[Avl_Paul]

Anyone have advice about this issue or seen this kind of problem before? It appears that the fuel injectors and fuel pump are not starting until the car is running (but the spark plugs fire). Is this certainly ECU?

[mudfordminis]

I am also having the same issue, my SPi wont start, however the fuel pump is running ignition on, there is a spark, the injector is spraying fuel, the fuel pump pressure is ok, the LT side of the coil is ok the resistance of the HT leads are ok, but still the damn thing refuses to fire. This is driving me mad so any advice on this would be great.

[ICAM]

I am also having the same issue, my SPi wont start, however the fuel pump is running ignition on, there is a spark, the injector is spraying fuel, the fuel pump pressure is ok, the LT side of the coil is ok the resistance of the HT leads are ok, but still the damn thing refuses to fire. This is driving me mad so any advice on this would be great.

Try this method, soak a cloth with petrol. During starting the engine, put the cloth to the inlet filter housing( to richen the fuel).
If this work well means that your temp sensor/wiring got problem.

[ICAM]

I am also having the same issue, my SPi wont start, however the fuel pump is running ignition on, there is a spark, the injector is spraying fuel, the fuel pump pressure is ok, the LT side of the coil is ok the resistance of the HT leads are ok, but still the damn thing refuses to fire. This is driving me mad so any advice on this would be great.

Try this method, soak a cloth with petrol. During starting the engine, put the cloth to the inlet filter housing( to richen the fuel).
If this work well means that your temp sensor/wiring got problem.

This was my previous problem. The temp wire rubbing agains the body(See attachment). Symtom: Cannot start, injector got spray, S.plug got fire. Pre-feed with petrol, then can start.

You can notice the temp gauge goes hay wire. it got up to half mark and goes down to quarter as it like. Even having this problem the engine run very well except cannot start when cold.

Hope this help.

Attached Files

•  WaterTempHarn.JPG   515.73K   219 downloads

[Avl_Paul]

Great tip - thanks for sharing this!

by the way, a dead temp sensor would likely produce the same behavior. One can measure the coolant temp sensor resistance at the engine harness and Sprocket has posted temp vs. resistance measurements to compare against. I think they are in the pinned section. That is how I diagnosed mine. I was then able to "trick" the ECU by putting resistors in parallel as someone else posted. This method would allow you to determine if this is your problem.

[Sprocket]

I think you are nearly there in finding the problem with this, from your other post regarding the ECU

Could be an imobiliser/ ECU issue

[hotrubber007]

I read this forum with great pleasure here in belgium, sprocket there is space in my workshop for you anytime -)
with fuel spray and ignition + compression the mini should start. Often here at my shop what we see is some serious airleaks on the inlet side - usually with thicker aftermarket exhaust manifold.

But i have an unusual one here on a spi with front damage replaced wings+ front panel- drove the car several times for the lads here who work with me, started on the dot- each time
then as we want to bring it into the booth for painting- no injector spray - can hear the pump so i pour in some fuel- no joy
then remove inlet on inj - plenty pressure- and lovely bright sparks at plugs
- since i]ve replaced and checked
ECU. cranksensor - donno why as i had spark, checked wiring really carefully as they had been welding, replaced injector, replaced main relay box , looked at all airtubes
and the car starts instantly with some fuel sprayed in manually///
any idea ???????
apart from the cranksensor which signal is used for actuating the injector itself ?
chris

[GBreeze]

Wow !

I posted this problem some 9 months back, not touched my Mini since and still have the problem, wont start when cold unless petrol
poured into throttle body.

I have given up, does anyone know a good mechanic i can take it to to get it sorted without being ripped off ?

[stephenhardy]

Hi

I own a 1996 mini sprite 1275 spi.

I have just converted it to a smiths 130mph cooper s speedo that I bought brand new from mini spares.While trying to wire it up the main beam warning light power supply touched the speedo housing that was connected to the earth. I heard a click and then the whole car went dead all the electrics wouldnt work so I thought the battery had died because I had been trying to wire it up for quite a while so I put the battery on charge. The next morning all the electrics were fine but when I turned the key to the second position I couldnt hear the fuel pump and it would not start.The immobiliser light is not flashing but when I push the fob button I can hear a click from the immobiliser box.

I have checked the fuses located on the bulkhead and one was broken so I replaced it but it still isnt working.

What do I need to do to get it running?

Many thanks

Stephen

[Island Mini]

have you guys checked your relay pack? I've had many of an issue with my spi pulled my fuel system almost completely apart. you can pull it off open it up, reconnect it with it open (put it on a towel or something so the circuit board doesn't short out on the engine) when you look from the front of the engine compartment with the box in its original orientation the bottom right ( closest to the plug) should click closed when the fuel pump engages, if not use your hand to close it and see if you can get it started, if that works new relay box, if not.... uhhh fuse? if its not that check the wiring for the fuel pump over the tank. Also the pump does not engage at start-up if the injector system is already primed with fuel, don't know if its on a timer or what. But just note, it will not come on every-time you turn your key. Have you checked the voltages and amps at the pump when you start using fluid? Only thing I could think of is there isn't enough juice in the battery on start up or wrong amp rated fuse in the box since once the car is started the alternator will power the electrics. Have you thought of changing your pump?