My B usually take 3-4 attempts to start. Also, after starting, idle can be erratic for a minute or two. Once started and ran for 30 seconds, she is fantastic though, great sound, perfect idle.

When trying to start her, the engine turns over perfectly, but never ignites. I've noticed that my headlights go off, almost completely when trying to start.

This happens if the car has been kept outside in the rain, or even if it's been inside my garage. Happens every time the car is started, regardless when the car was last run (5 minutes ago, or 2 days ago)

Any idea what the problem could be?

Needs a service - new plugs?

Dodgy ecu temp sensor?

Just had a full service (which seems to have made the problem more obvious), so I've got brand new plugs. How do I diagnose an ECU Temp sensor?

Need to measure the resistance of it with a multimeter. Should be in the region of 7000 - 10000 ohms cold.

edit: When was the last time it had a fuel filter? Often overlooked.

Excellent, what a great tip! Do you have a picture of what the ECU Temp sensor looks like? And where it is? I have no documentation for the car at all

The ecu temp sensor is screwed into the thermostat. Follow the fat hose back from the top of the radiator, underneath the air intake tubing and you'll see it.

Have you done the obvious like check the battery is holding charge. I know it simple but worth checking

Have you checked the lambda sensor as this stopped mine from starting.

I'll check the battery today (when it stops bloody snowing!). Where is the lambda sensor and how do I check it?

Thanks!

You might also consider checking for damp around the spark plugs when the cars been standing over night (assuming it start from warm without a problem).

Mad Matt said:

You might also consider checking for damp around the spark plugs when the cars been standing over night (assuming it start from warm without a problem).

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Same problem, even with a warm start :-(

Never had a problem even after 3 weeks of not starting the B at all.

Funkstar De Luxe said:

I'll check the battery today (when it stops bloody snowing!). Where is the lambda sensor and how do I check it?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

The lambda sensor is on the exhaust at the back of the engine after the cat I beleive. There isn't an easy way of testing it except with the fiat dianostics even then not a hundred percent right.
The lambda sensor is like a spark plug that should be change around every 50,000 mile (I think). It's somethink that gets overlooked though.

If it's the battery, wouldn't there be a strong smell of petrol when it finally caught? Wouldn't it also sound a little lazy on the turn over?

Do you hear the whine of the petrol pump when you turn the key so the electrics come on?

Just thinking out loud!

maybe its worth cleaning the butterfly?

butterfly?

Butterfly valve in the throttle body. You can buy some carb cleaner and take the pipe off and give it a good spray.

I currently have a problem whereby the engine coughs and splutters when I jab the accelerator or when accelerating at low revs. For example less than 2000rpm in second gear in traffic. I have put it down to a faulty coil pack, I think the resistance breaks down at higher temperatures. It may even have cracks in it.

Are mass air flow meters as troublesome on the Barchettas as they are on Alfas? Some of the symptoms sound similar.

If its taking a while to start it could be the crankshaft sensor.

For Afroking: Is it a dirty idle valve?