Just fitted a replacement 1248cc engine to our 2004 Panda Dynamic. The new engine (also 1248cc) is a low mileage runner that came out of a written off 2006 Dynamic. On attempting to start, all the dashboard warning lights came on and stayed on. Absolutely nothing from the starter motor - not even a click. I hooked up a battery charger to make sure enough juice was being delivered. Then the dash display went completely dead - no warning lights, no sign of life whatsoever.

The replacement engine consists of the main block and cylinder head. I've retained the original manifold, throttle body, injectors, coil packs, ECU, alternator and starter. Fitted a new clutch, water pump and timing belt.

Short of plugging in a diagnostic tool, can anyone offer advice? Is it likely a replacement engine could cause all the warning lights to come on? Could this be a simple case of having to carry out some sort of reset?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Are all the earths/grounds connected back up correctly? The new engine I very much doubt would cause such issues. .

Check engine earth strap.

Thanks for the info! There's an earth wire with a large ring connector that's part of the engine wiring loom. Hole size of the connector is approx 12mm. I can't for the life of me remember where it was originally located :chin:
I've put it on one of the bolts holding the alternator. Maybe that's the problem?? Will check it out tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

Off topic a bit here, but on the assumption that you do actually live in the Hebrides, we were up there a couple of years ago and stayed on Seil and I noticed quite a few Pandas round there, up to Oban and down to Campbelltown. Considering the Panda is a city car, yet you couldn't get much further from a city than that area, I thought that was quite a complement to it. Subjectively there seemed to be more Pandas round there than our part of Mancland.

Of course, if you actually live in Nuneaton or Sunderland, I've just wasted 60 seconds of your time.

I can't speak from any experience with dealing with this particular car... but there is usually one on the gearbox on most cars? . A body ground might work better if the paint is removed to ensure a better connection.

Get a jump lead.put one end to a good earthing point on the gear box.
And the other end to negative post on the battery..

If the car then starts ..earth strap is broken or loose..

Problem solved!

The starter motor wiring had me foxed. I didn't realise the heavy wire from the battery and the thinner signal wire both went on the same terminal, separated by the black plastic isolator. Once wired correctly, the engine started first time.

Thanks for your help everyone.