MPi fuel pump problem

Before you go opening the ECU, check the fuse box, there is a fuse in there that also controls the main beam (courtesy) flash from the indicator stalk, this also controls the pump , jiggle them about and see what happens, Fitzy

Not sure about the MPi's, but the SPi's have a inertia cutout switch that diables the fuel pump in the case of an accident. I've set mine off a couple of times (BIG pot hole once, and once while working on the car)

This is a small square box (a little like a relay) with a rubber cover over the top with a round raised "button" on the top. On the SPi's it is bolted to the firwall near the wiper motor.

Press the button on the top and see if it "clicks" to reset the switch and try starting the engine again.

thanks for the info but i did say i manually closed the relay and heard the fuel pump buzz (ie the fuse is ok). i also said i had norrowed it down to the earth of the control circuit of the fuel pump relay. I have an electrical multimeter and a Snap-On power probe, so i am pretty good with electrics - just not electronics (there is a difference). One thing i did think of is finding someone with either a Rover or Snap-On fault code reader and plugging into the ECU

i repeat - this is no silly problem eg fuse/broken wire, tis the ECU somewhere, was just asking if anyone else has any experience.

RS

Hi "J" always worth a press on the switch before anything else, I have a S.P sidewalk , and it has developed a few refusal to start faults over the years, the most regular being the fuse I mentioned earlier, another time it refused to start turned out to be the ECU harness plug had partially disconnected its self, as a "get you home" repair I connected a wire from the live side of the numberplate light, up to the pump connection, turn on the lights and off we go, the only thing with this repair is that it by-passes the inertia switch, Fitzy

Hi "RS" what about replacing the missing earth, to the nearest earth point, failing that,,,,, where are you located,, I have access to a fault code reader, Fitzy

hi guys, it is not the inertia switch, as ive said earlier - i manually closed the relay (with a bit of plastc), this then put s the 12V through the inertia switch and to the pump which i have heard working.

Fitzy, i am in Boston, East coast, near nothing so doubt you are willing to travel (You are from liverpool if i remember correctly?)

cheers anyway, i rekon my friend will be towing it to a (good) garage later this week, will post what the porblem was and the fix then.

RS

BOSTON.......!!!!???? and you sounded so close ;-) Regards and good luck Fitzy