Ignition Faultfinding

[Anonymous]

Got a small problem thats got me stumped.

I have to hotwire my coil in order to get a spark. I've swapped in its place a known good unit, with no change in the situation. I've got a strong feeling its part of my anti-theft immobiliser system playing up, but I'm not too sure about that, since the engine still cranks over with the key. I've examined the wires to the coil / dizzy, they appear to be intact, IE no nicks or kinks in the wiring loom (If you can call two wires a loom, lol!). No telltale signs of rodents feeding inside the vehicle, either.

One symptom that may be of interest is that the S-Pack (XE) tachometer shows no revs while the engine is running. All other dash gauges work. I dont think there are any other faults in the electrics, etc.

Ideas, gents?

 

[aussie7mains]

Magnus, try the ignition module on the dizzy.BTW Im currently wrecking a 250 crossflow 1984 LPG fueled, XE S pak sedan, if you want some bits call, I got the car for $90.
Jeff

 

[xctasy]

Disco' said

No telltale signs of rodents feeding inside the vehicle, either.

Neither do I. My policy is that the kids can eat outside the car.


I'm taking note of the mater. I have a spare ignition system for my XE, and hope I can "peach" of your experiences if any thing gives up the ghost. I hate electronics. You and A7M may play bushmen's mechanic, but I hate things that don't work, and on an electronic set up, it's big bucks without mates around.

Good one A7M

 

[Anonymous]

Disco,
If you have to hot wire it to get spark then the problem is before the ignition system.
Check fo twelve volts at the positive side of the coil with the ignition on, engine not running.
Test with the positive lead disconnected of course.
If no power then follow the system back.
Test for power flow through the ignition switch. The heaviest wires should be power in and power to the coil out.
If no power through it then try by passing and see if the engine starts.
If no start when bypassed the the cause will probably be in the alarm/imobilizer.
Just follow the wiring until the short/break or that bloody alarm and bypass to start.
Noel.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, I'll try out the ideas. Thanks for the pointers. now to find the multimeter..

Jeff, is the tank still in date?

 

[aussie7mains]

yes its got about a year to go if the date on the car is right (1994) its also half full.
A7M

 

[Anonymous]

id check the imobiliser/alarm..... for the simple reson they prove me wrong!!

my sisters lil' escort refused to start at a friends house so the next day i had to go and figure out the problem........ it would turn over but not fire.... but was still getting fuel..... to cut a long story short, with using some great bush mechanic tricks i stripped appart a section of a extension lead and conected it from the battery to the coil and whalla!!! it worked.... i thought it was impossible it could be the alarm...... but little did i know i was proven wrong and the imobiliser guy came and fixed it the next day.... just some shonky wiring!! (im just glad i wasnt pulled over by cops when driving with this bright orange cable strune thru the engine bay!)

-matt-
good luck

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the ideas people

turns out it was the immobiliser after all.. replaced it (another cheapy $60 Marlows job), but this time I put a 1 amp fuse in front of it - should give me some sort of protection, I heard these things are pretty prone to power surges, moreso than the EFI computers. Apparently they're built to last, lol!

 

[addo]

Good to see ya gotcha self-portrait up!

 

[Anonymous]

rofl. I'm pretty sure Snake is my alltime favourite cartoon character..

(In the Springfield police department, after hog-tying the chief of police, and an electro-shock gun in hand)
"Fry, piggy!"
"*zap* Ow!! *zaaap* Oww!! A little to the left, please... *bzzzzt*.. ahhh"