(T) CINQ STARTING PROBLEM PUZZLE! Please help!

Hi all... my first post i think, but it looks like a bad start.. my Cinq won't start!

I'll make it as simple as i can to explain.. here goes:

> For the past month or so, the Cinq has needed a quick push to get going maybe once a fortnight.

> On odd occasions, especially the past few times I've had it running, the amber 'code' light has been glowing continuously whilst driving.

> Since last drive, have tried starting with following symptoms:

i) Turn key 2 clicks... fuel pump activates, battery light and ignition lights appear as per normal... 'code' light illuminates (again, as normal).

ii) Turn key further (as if to start engine), and nothing.. the engine doesn't sound like it's turning at all.

To try solving the problem, i've tried the following:

i) Tested battery on voltmeter - perfectly sound readings. Have also bought and installed a new battery (just in case) - and still get decent readings. The readings I've had have made me think against an alternator problem.

ii) Inserting/Tried starting with red key... makes no difference at all!

iii) Jump-starting the car works perfectly - car starts fine straight away. As does giving the car a quick 10-meter push!

I've read through many posts on here and saw one which mentioned something about the ECU block. I tapped this (and the two covered relays behind the box) and when i try starting again, the batt/ignition/code lights sometimes 'flicker', rather than a constant glow.

That's about all i can tell you so far! Could it be a starter motor prob..? or anything to do with the relays/ecu???

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... oh, and thanks for providing a great forum.. seems packed of useful threads!


Carl

Sounds like a bad earth to me, have you checked the earthing points?

Anything's worth a try!!

I will add it to my 'to try' list for when i get home from work later today

Any further idea's... keep 'em coming!

Take a single jump lead and place it between the engine and the negative battery terminal.

Try to start.

Report back.

Cheers

D

brrrr.... bloody freezin' out there!

Have just had another go at starting her up, and same again.. nothing.

Flipped open the bonnet, and basically just sprayed loadsa WD40 on all the earthing points i could find in the engine bay, and in the dark! All seemed ok, although the engine-end of the engine-to-body earth cable looked a little bit rustier than the rest.

Jumped back into the cockpit and tried again.. a couple of frantic 'clicks' (presumably from the starter motor?) and she fired up... yey! Left the engine running for 2 minutes and then restarted the engine for good measure. The idle sounded mega-rough, but maybe this is because I haven't give the cable a good scrub yet - I'll do that at the weekend (or sooner), when i see daylight!

The only thing i found though, was that the 'immobiliser' light still lit up constantly on the dash when i got the engine running.

Anyway, fingers crossed it is an earthing prob afterall! My next post looks like it's destined for the I.C.E. section - my amp ain't workin'!

PS: can anyone tell me where the fuel cut-off inertia switch is in the Cinq? I had a look with a torch and couldn't find it in the footwell.

Cheers.


PPS: Just seen your new reply... will try that for sure.. I take it that will tell me if it's definately an earth problem?

That it jump starts OK would rule out a starter motor problem.

I'd throughly clean all the earthing points and the battery terminals, coat with silicon grease or vasaline and all should be well.

Can't help withthe amp, though................

Yeah.. the amp will be the next of my 'puzzles'! (why is it with me, no problem is ever one of the common straight-forward type!).

As i mentioned before... the car jump-starts perfectly, and since spraying with just WD40 i've had it running tonight for 10 minutes to fetch some dinner. Still teases me for a few seconds with the 'clicks', but then seems ok after that.


Will report back tomoorow with my findings!!

Cheers guys.

Can anyone else see my posts?

Cheers

D

Yep D i can see you

some times the problems are just too obvious to believe (for someone in the know at least)

if you say try somthing i do, but there again i know you've been around the block a few times oooo err mrs

Nope, the new invisibility shield is working real well.

Hi,take davids advice (rallycinq) i think what he means is take 1 jump lead and connect it to the negative battery terminal and connect the other half of the lead to the body somewhere in the engine bay,then try and start it,

to make an earth point for the battery if im right?

I see your posts fine and usually agree with them. That's why, when they're being ignored I usually repeat and embellish!

Latest:

This morning i got the clicks but no start... a couple more layers of WD40 on the earth points... and finally started.

Just tried starting again (2hrs later) and started first time, no probs at all!

A collegue said it could be the starter components which are dirty... i'll put that idea across to you guys.. whaddya think?

Hope you're all having a good day.. nearly xmas!

Cheers

Do what rallycinq has said throughout first - You cant fully rule out its not a grounding problem.. So i'll say again whats been repeated many-a-time on this thread -> Place a jump lead from the negative battery terminal to the engine block.

If it starts really easy, then your negative battery lead is probably corroded inside the terminal crimps, so could possibly need replacing/recrimping. If its sensor problems etc, it would show a red hose (injector light) all the time. The code light is a red herring in this case...

Oh and i wouldnt bother keep spraying the earthing points, try actually unbolting them and giveing them (chassis and terminal) a clean up with some emery cloth / sandpaper

Thanks Luke for your advice - I'll definately be taking bits to pieces when i get a chance in daylight.. for now though on dark mornings, the WD40 does the trick!

Just a quick mention about the sensor/warning light... FIAT fitted a new Lambda sensor about 2 months ago for me.