Technical Engine cranks but sometimes does not start.

[Peter Waller]

My daughters 2009 Fiat 500 1.3 sometimes cranks over but does not start and there are no error codes or engine management light issues. If she walks away from the car and comes back and tries again in a few minutes it starts straight away. Sometimes if this happens if she leaves the ignition on for 10 seconds with all the light cluster on and then turns the key it starts. I have also changed the battery in the key fob which is the only one we have.The engine runs very sweetly and the battery if fairly new. Its very annoying and I am afraid that one day she will be out some were and it will not start. Any ideas PLEASE!

 

[bugsymike]

My daughters 2009 Fiat 500 1.3 sometimes cranks over but does not start and there are no error codes or engine management light issues. If she walks away from the car and comes back and tries again in a few minutes it starts straight away. Sometimes if this happens if she leaves the ignition on for 10 seconds with all the light cluster on and then turns the key it starts. I have also changed the battery in the key fob which is the only one we have.The engine runs very sweetly and the battery if fairly new. Its very annoying and I am afraid that one day she will be out some were and it will not start. Any ideas PLEASE!

First, does the immobiliser light come on with ignition then go out before you try to start, as if still on for whatever reason, then the engine will not start.
Another quick thing to check is does the rev counter try to move when the starter is turning, if not it can be caused by the crank shaft position sensor, although I have usually experienced that with warm engines,

 

[Mike1alike]

Besides what Bugsy correctly suggested to check, I would consider possible fuel pressure issue too.
But... what kind of engine is it? Petrol or diesel? What kind of fuel delivering system? Just simple in tank or high pressure?

 

[Mike1alike]

Sometimes if this happens if she leaves the ignition on for 10 seconds with all the light cluster on and then turns the key it starts.

That sounds like normal behavior for diesel engine where glow plugs need a couple of seconds to heat up.
So please, give s little more details.

 

[Peter Waller]

That sounds like normal behavior for diesel engine where glow plugs need a couple of seconds to heat up.
So please, give s little more details.

It is a 1.3 petrol and the immobilizer light does go out

 

[Mike1alike]

The symptom of it starting after leaving the ignition on for a few seconds to me points to fuel pressure not building quickly enough.
Could be the crankshaft sensor too, but it doesn’t match “wait = fix” as well. Can you see the RPM on dash when cranking? If yes, it's easy to see if crankshaft sensor works. If RPM needle doesn't move means bad sensor. It it goes to ~200 RPM sensor is ok.

 

[Peter Waller]

Thank you for that reply and will check that next time it happens!

 

[Ralf S.]

I think the "starts after waiting" is a red herring as absolutely nothing happens after the first 5 seconds; when you turn the key on you get a few seconds of the fuel pump priming the system, then it turns that off.

However, if it needs several goes, it's inevitably fuel related. I would suspect the fuel pump is moody and you need a new one, once you're sure it really can't be anything else. If you have a spare pump, it could be worth digging out the pump (under the seat) and then comparing the sounds it makes compared to the one that's fitted. You just need to swap the connector to the new / alternative pump.


Ralf S.

 

[John202020]

Try turn on ignition, don't crank, you should be able to hear the fuel pump pressurising the system, when it stops, crank engine?
New Iridium plugs?
Also if it's never had one it WILL need a new engine earth strap
Does fuel tank level make any difference?

 

[Mike1alike]

Also if it's never had one it WILL need a new engine earth strap

Yes, it could very well be a ground problem.
Good mentioning!

 

[Peter Waller]

Thank you for all your replies I need to get the car away from my daughter so I can check all the above suggestions out. Unfortunately it is an irregular occurrence and when we took it to the garage it did not happen. She did say that the last time it was cranking and did not start the rpm gauge did not move as Mike1alike mentioned...