General 1990 Tempra - No Spark

[Phil C]

This seems to be a site full of useful ideas - I hope that someone has one to solve my problem!

I am trying to resurrect a 1990 Tempra 1.6 which has stood idle for about 6 months - I need to get the car running (and MOT'd) as I need it to get to work next week. Problem is that although the car was running perfectly when it was parked up, there is now no spark whatsoever. I have replaced the battery, coil, plugs and leads but nothing seems to make a difference. I have read various other posts about immobilisers.......is this a likely source of the problem? The car had stood with a flat battery for a while - is there an immobiliser which would do this, and if so how might I reset it?

I am desperate - please help if you can!!

 

[Alex]

Have you changed/cleaned the rotor/rotor arm?

 

[Scorg]

on a 1990 model there most likely isnt an imobiliser fitted, there wasnt on our 91 SX
So check the rotor arm as alex said and also the disti cap and HT leads have a good firm grip into the sockets (I bought new leeds on my old car but they came loose fairly quickly)

 

[Phil C]

Thanks guys - I will double check the rotor and dizzy cap again just to make sure, although I did check all the obvious things earlier.

 

[Phil C]

As far as I can gather there is nothing wrong with the rotor arm, distributor cap, leads or plugs.........any more ideas?

 

[Alex]

This may sound like a stupid question, but you definatly sure it's not sparking, its not something else like an air lock in the fuel line, CFI/Carb blocked?

 

[Phil C]

No Alex - definitely no spark at any point - all leads tested and fuel feed to the carb (and beyond) is fine.

 

[Alex]

Sorry, I'm all out of ideas, but just a thought, perhaps there is a problem with the connection to the distributor (the side that doesn't connect to the HT leads). Going back to your original post, do you have an alarm/immobalise fitted? if so perhaps check the owners manual to see if it needs to be reset before you can start the car, alternatly remove it, if it is doing more harm than good. At least no will be nicking your car

 

[Alex]

Just read you original post again saying you replaced the coil so the above may not be applicable (apart from the bit about the alarm)

 

[Phil C]

Thanks for trying Alex - unfortunately still no good so I am working through the entire electrical system checking relays, wiring etc.

 

[Alex]

Complete nightmare! hope you find the error. I have found with some cars that the fuseboxes often short out if you leave them and they get moisture in them. Might be worth getting a fusebox from a parts dealer and swapping that out, has worked for me in the past. Good luck

 

[Alex]

Just looking through some of the other forums, found this thread, from the Tipo forum, perhaps this may help

https://www.fiatforum.com/showthread.php?t=487

 

[polecat]

Just another thought, probably miles off.


Is there a crank sensor on this model? If so it could be shot.

 

[Phil C]

Thanks for all your suggestions - no real progress as yet. I am leaning towards the crank sensor suggestion at the mo. I have checked the fusebox as far as possible and it seems OK checking it through with a meter. I do not want to replace it unless absolutely neccessary as it is a hellishly expensive part and prolly worth more than the car......One thing I did wonder is whether any relays control the ignition system and if one could be faulty?

I am finding it impossible to get hold of a manual for the vehicle which would no doubt speed things up a bit. I think I have found the crank sensor (if it is the lead which runs from a point bolted to the top lhs of the gearbox through to a junction just behind the battery and then into the loom) but it looks a pain to remove.

 

[Alex]

I think I have found the crank sensor (if it is the lead which runs from a point bolted to the top lhs of the gearbox through to a junction just behind the battery and then into the loom) but it looks a pain to remove.

Sods' law suggests that is the part... and that if it does need replacing, it'll be the last thing that you do, and if it doesn't you'll take it out anyway!

On a more serious note: It could be the relays, but if your starter is turning then it probably isn't.

Sorry I haven't any more suggestions

 

[Alex]

One more thing about the realys, is that the ignition relay is pretty standard throughout most cars and doesn't cost very much, I think about a fiver from halfords parts desk... but watch out some of the connectors at the bottom don't always meet the connectors in the fuse box when you buy a generic part from somewhere like halfords, so if you have had this relay replaced before perhaps it has become dislodged try giving it a prod and see if that solves the problem

 

[Alex]

Any luck yet Phil? This is from the another thread, perhaps this will help (if you haven't already seen this)

https://www.fiatforum.com/showthread.php?p=158933#post158933

 

[Phil C]

No news as yet Alex, I am having to work away this week so it is impossible to try anything before the weekend, but you are a star for all the help that you have given so far!

I will post an update when I am able to get under/over/into the car!

 

[Tempra1.6]

Did you check the electric generator (dynamo) which is located on the left side of the engine, and is connected with a belt to the water pump? (where all engine belts are together) If the generator is out of order, it is most likely that also your new battery will be empty by now,plus the fact that you are not able to turn on your engine.

Can't think of anything else. Last thing to check is the starter motor, in case you have no electric power at all.

Good luck, hope to have been of some assistance.

 

[Alex]

Hmmm, I was going to suggest the Alternator, but I am not sure that it would be that... when you crank, the spark will be generated with the power from the battery surely?