53reg 172 Cup won't start...

[JonnyT]

Hi all. I've been reading for 3 days but my car still won't start.
It's run/started spot on since I bought it Xmas time, maybe a little lumpy on idle but I'm told that's how they are...
Few days ago I got in it and it simply won't start. Immobiliser light's behaving normally, I've fitted a new genuine TDC/crank sensor, I've cleaned the relays in the engine bay, I'm sure I hear the fuel pump buzzzzz when priming, but I've just disconnected the fuel line at the injector rail, and nothing comes out when turning over? Is this right?? (I know some cars don't until they're running) or is this wrong.
Anyhelp would be much appreciated as I'm stuck at home, miles from anywhere/anyone!! :-(
Cheers,
Jon

 

[JonnyT]

and now I can't hear the pump prime. Argh!!

 

[JonnyT]

And now the coil (?) lights on...

 

[montana]

do you have a spark? is your battery healthy?

 

[Mr_lizard]

You should have pressurized fuel at the fuel rail when cranking. Checked fuses? Seized fuel pump blowing fuse maybe?

 

[JonnyT]

Hi,
Yep battery's recent (Halfords 4 year) been turning her over a treat for 3 days of messing now and still spins nomally.
I've checked the fuses, all seem ok. My brothers on his way over with his 172 so I can swap relays, check pump etc and see. Proper baffled me it has. I've joined the rac now tho (I've never needed cover before and I've had some proper sh*tters lol) but figured they can come plug it in at least (in 24 hours lol) and in future they can spend ages skinning knuckles and slicing arms :-D

 

[Dave Hester]

I had the same problem on my 172 cup,

Turned out to be the earth cable on the battery had fraid badly so had to have a new one made.

Check all the earths in the engine bay

 

[MicKPM]

yep, an electrical fault is the most likely cause; check all main earths as above and the 12v MCR's (Main Control Relays) in the engine bay fuse box as these buggers cause all kinds of annoying problems. Access to decent diagnostics will help speed the process along also.

Mick

 

[JonnyT]

Now I've put the fuse back in the right slot (der brain) the electrical fault light is out, and the pump primes pmsl.
So at least I'm back to where I was! :-D

 

[JonnyT]

Cheers all, I've just checked and all seem ok, tho when I out my coil on my bros car, it had spark, on mine it doesn't...put his coil on mine and no spark. I've inspected and cleaned all the relays in the engine bay, but still no spark. Will get rac out after work as only person I know with diagnostics is miles away and wants £70 to come and plug it in pmsl

 

[JonnyT]

Update:
RAC came out, straight to crank sensor, played about for 10 mins...started.
"corroded connector" :-/ started it up and switched it off a few times, fine. I used it for a few journeys then outside the mrs parents at 1030pm last night....wouldn't start. Grr. Had connector off a few times, still nothing. Huffed and puffed my way to the top of their driveway and bump started it. Drove home. Stopped an started a few times, fine. This morning started on the button. :-/

 

[ROO#1]

till you went to get some tyres fitted lol

 

[MicKPM]

Time to get to Renault for the updated sensor and loom section to be fitted.

If you don't like that idea you can buy it from a decent autofactors for less but expect to pay around £40 for it opposed to Renaults £65... tell them you want the "blue one" and no, the existing multiplug will NOT fit the new sensor despite it looking the same! Snip it and put the new plug on using soldered joints.

Mink

 

[JonnyT]

Cheers mink, it's already got that one on it so I simply bought another blue sensor (£36).
I took it all out and found one of the wires on the "upgraded loom" was only 3 strands in one place, so cut it back, re-joined it and since it's been fine. Fingers crossed. But I've done 6 journeys so far...
Thanks all for your input.

 

[MicKPM]

That would have been your problem then... thank who ever fudged that up for you!