So is my car dead??? Advice much appreciated

when was the cambelt last changed? if unknown .

1. check cambelt.
2. check for a spark

Engine spins on starter you say? Does everything else work like heater, lights etc? If so, it could be a reasonably simple fix. I had a Skoda that did exactly the same and it turned out to be a dodgy connection on the back of the ignition barrel.

"gazzafield" wrote in message news:s snipped-for-privacy@pipex.net...

Thanks for replying. Everything else is working properly; lights, air-con, radio, wipers, heater, etc.

I'll check out the ignition barrel and let you know how it goes.. I think (hope) I have a book somewhere that tells me whereabouts on the engine it is.

Thanks for replying. The cam belt looks ok and is fairly new- it was replaced about 18 months ago.

Must show my ignorance and ask how I check for a spark.

dave smith ("dave smith" ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

It's the bit on the back of the ignition lock, where you put the key.

dave smith ("dave smith" ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

Remove one plug lead and plug, put plug back in plug lead, hold with end touching some solid metalwork on the engine - USE AN INSULATED TOOL LIKE A PAIR OF PLIERS - and get somebody to turn the engine over on the key. You should see a small bright blue spark.

That would be impossible with my 1998 Peugeot 306 as the coil pack sits directly on top of the engine and plugs - there are no plug leads.

Is there any way of testing for sparks on cars like this?

Actually, our 306 had something similar in the past - the earth lead from the battery to the chassis had broken. The one to the engine still worked, thus the starter started, but the ECU etc wasn't getting power so no start.

Indeed. You have just remiinded me of the very same situation with my girlfriend's (now wife) Fiasco.

You can do it, it's just that the "plug lead" is now low tension wire instead of old-fashioned HT lead.

This will also reveal any petrol leaks.

Liek the petrol/air mixture coming out of the plug hole? I always use a spare plug for this kind of test.

I was thinking more of the petrol he says he can smell in the engine compartment.

It may be useful to have a second observer, to pinpoint the source of the fireball...

On 16-Oct-07 15:21:16, Ian Dalziel said

Thank you Ian, that made my evening. :)

All the best, Angus Manwaring. (for e-mail remove ANTISPEM)

I need your memories for the Amiga Games Database: A collection of Amiga Game reviews by Amiga players

rofl !!!

Thanks.

I didn't get blown up as some had suggested I might ; ), but maybe that's because I didn't see any sparks either. This looks like it may be the source of the problem.

So does this result mean that all I need are new spark plugs and it'll fire up, or am I just being too optimistic.

far too optimistic, you now need to discover WHY there are no sparks, most likely suspect is usually the crank sensor. if you are in the aa or similar then get them out, they will read the computer and see why it doesn't go. sometimes you can get this service free in the carparks of big shopping centres, Lakeside does it for instance, I must admit I have been tempted to tow a non starting car there just to get them to diagnose it !!

If this is the regular 2.0 8v 115hp VW (GTi) engine then these are well known for the ignition amps popping, and also the ECU power relay.

To determine which, when cranking the engine does the tacho needle quiver at all? If not, then its most likely the ECU power supply (fuse or relay)

If the tacho does register (indicating primary ignition is sound, and the ECU is powered up) but there are still no sparks, then replace the amp.

Tim. .