My dad tried to drive my car a few moments ago but it wont not start
I watched as alot of black smoke came from the exsaust and the cars rev where VERY low...

It took him about 3 mins to start the car, even then it died.

I got in it a few seconds later and it started first time with no problem.

So, we thought it was the key that he used (Red) - i used the blue
I tried with every key, all works fine.

Mabey it's something my dad did???
He got back in it, tried to start it, and guess what..
It wouldn't start, black smoke etc etc

We are doing the same thing, no gear, no pedals, just turn the key...

The car it'self needs attention - timing belt well over due, feul filter rusted
New plugs, New oil, new filters, a bit of rust on left side, Light tapping noise from the engine bay, cant find the source..

What do you all make of this?

dont the red key reset the ecu settings making it run rich etc?

As far as i know, the red key Does reset the Ecu.

However, when i used the red key it was all fine

The simply wont run if im not the one in the driving seat???
I got my bro to try it and it wouldn't start (Blue Key) and it emitted black smoke.

I tried it and it started first time
Strange car really.... any ideas? (my thoughts are that its weight related and this seems to be the only difference.

For example, person X opened the door and it scrapped on the kerb! when i opened it doesnt touch, or get anywhere near. underside of the car is a little rusted so it might be weaker, so the flex in the floor may change from the difference in weight of the person sitting in the driver seat. This flex may then also distrupt the eletrical wires mabey?

What do you all think?

Scrap it. Or spend some money on it PDQ!

From all the descriptions it's a death trap anyway.

Sorry to be blunt but I might be travelling in the opposite direction on the same road as that car one day...

Ffoxy said:

Scrap it. Or spend some money on it PDQ!

From all the descriptions it's a death trap anyway.

Sorry to be blunt but I might be travelling in the opposite direction on the same road as that car one day...

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have got to agree, could cost you 1000s to find / fix problem if its intermitent, buy a honda....i would if i could!

davosGDMF said:

have got to agree, could cost you 1000s to find / fix problem if its intermitent, buy a honda....i would if i could!

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No car is fault / problem free if it's not maintained. Honda are OK, but take a look at suspension / steering problems on Honda Forums... Civic in particular.

Key is to keep on top of servicing & repairs no matter what car make or model you drive.

Decided to repair the car myself as i like this green punto

The floor pan dont not bend, found the fron suspension was at fault there, rusted, so i will replace soon

MadMan0 said:

Decided to repair the car myself as i like this green punto

The floor pan dont not bend, found the fron suspension was at fault there, rusted, so i will replace soon

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Better of getting it done now, get stopped by a traffic cop and its a prohibition notice straight away for something like that.

does £30 a coil sound about right? if so i might have to use lolly sticks instead