Technical 2004 1.9JTD Bug won't start - Help needed

Currently reading:
Technical 2004 1.9JTD Bug won't start - Help needed

Joined
Dec 10, 2007
Messages
257
Points
87
Have done the obvious, but…..
1
FIATecuScan reported no errors
2
Removed the crankshaft sensor and fitted a new Bosch one. Surprised that the 3-pin cable connector to the sensor did not have a polarity marker. I assume that I put it on the right way round because there were no FIATecuScan errors. Engine started somewhat reluctantly and with a bit of grey smoke possibly clearing out fuel from earlier attempts. Went for a 3 mile drive round the block and it was running fine with no smoke. Patted myself on the back on a job well done. Later that day it wouldn’t start for my son:mad: Very slow turn over and very lumpy as if the head gasket had gone and it was compressing coolant.
3
The battery read 12.2V. Took a reading again when the starter was turning and the figure dropped to below 11V. Thought this might be the problem so bought a new battery. It made no difference. So I now have a spare jump-start battery:)
4
FIATecuScan under Parameters, Water in Fuel, reported Present.
Removed the fuel filter and fitted a new one. FIATecuScan still reported Water in Fuel!
Diesel comes through the top pipe when the ignition is turned on so the rear low pressure pump is working.
When the filter had refilled. the engine did start and ran smoothly for about 30 seconds before juddering to a halt.
Would welcome suggestions on what to check next.
Bear in mind that before this problem the car always started and ran smoothly. There has been no fluctuations in the coolant level so my comment about the head gasket is unlikely to be the problem.
FIATecuScan still reports no errors
 
With weather like it is as atm, it's very common to see the water in fuel warning light come on. Mine often makes a half-hearted 'maybe I'm alight, maybe I'm not' effort. It's usually nothing to do with water in the fuel - just damp around the wiring connection to the sensor. Try giving it a good blast with some WD40 for a temporary fix, at least.

Back to your main problem. Was there any water in the bottom of the fuel filter housing?

Those voltages sound pretty low to me. Check the alternator for cracks (well chronicled on here) and the condition of the earth straps, especially the one from gearbox to chassis. The easiest way to check for a fault on this front is to put a secondary strap (something like a jump lead will do) across from battery negative to the engine block, or battery negative to a chassis bolt somewhere in the engine bay.

Must admit, I'm scratching my head a bit though. Have you tried disconnecting the MAF? Maybe the EGR is jammed half-open?
 
Hi
Thanks for your suggestions.
Can’t tell if there was water in filter, it came out too quick when I unscrewed the base. There isn’t any now though it still says there is! I guess there is a sensor in the black plug at the bottom, but it didn’t seem to be designed to be dismantled.
I don’t think I have a light for water in fuel but I will check the manual: there haven’t been any strange lights lit.
Put the battery back on charge and it reads 12.6V. It really struggles to turn the engine over which is why I wondered if there is a cracked cylinder head. It is very lumpy when trying. How would one tell if you can’t get it to start? There have not been any bubbles in the coolant and no need to refill the reservoir.
 
Well after a couple of days of trying the car started this morning and I left it running for 30 minutes while I used FIATecuScan to check for faults and look at the fuel pressure etc in Parameters. Switched off and then restarted - fine. Again this morning so I think the problem is over. I am pleased that problem is over at £25 for the Bosch crankshaft sensor, £10 for the filter and £48 for the unnecessary battery. :)
 
Good to hear that it's (hopefully) sorted. It may be worth adding some Millers diesel treatment or 2 stroke oil to the fuel for a while just as a precaution.

If it's any consolation, I spent just over £60 on an 'unnecessary' battery for my Multi a couple of years ago :bang:

The water-in-fuel warning light is at the bottom of the instrument panel, towards the RH side (under the fuel gauge).
 
Thanks
I just read the manual again and can see where the Water in Diesel filter is! It has never come on, but with a new filter that won't be a problem now
 
Back
Top