VN not starting

[caekmaster]

Hey guys, today the one time my dad moves my car, he comes in to me and tell me my car just stopped, and wont start.

there is no dash lights when the ignition on, and my fuel pump wont prime. the same thing happened when my fuel pump relay went. i have checked all relays, fuses, and links there all fine.

If i bridge out C and D on the diagnostic connector and then turn the engine over then stop i can hear the fuel pump pumping, and its sort of making an intermittent gargling sound. however with C and D bridged there are still no dash lights.

What do you guys think could be wrong?

[centy]

does anything work?
headlights radio or anything else.
look for a broken fusible link near the battery, it's worth checking, it just looks like a wire with a connector on it so it can be changed.

[caekmaster]

yeh Stereo and headlights still work i forgot to mention

[caekmaster]

ok, this morning i went to start it, started up fine. then died after about 10 seconds and same problem over again

Also when it as started the engine warning light was flashing rapidly

[Bz Kn33z]

You need to get a code from the computer, mine did a simular thing turned out to be the fuel pump.

[caekmaster]

i would get a code from the computer, but its not putting out codes, as non of the dash lights are showing... which is making me belive that it is the ECU

[centy]

mmm yeah you jumping the black and white on the diag plug? Just checking, fuel pump is a good bet.

[caekmaster]

yeh black and white, do u think the fuel pump still could be dead even though i can hear it?

[centy]

the efi system requires a certain pressure to provide the right fuel flow to the injectors, a faulty pump may still pump and have good volume but when under load and needing to produce pressure , just not have the guts any more.
Ok an example from a different type of car
holden rodeo ute
cruising along and it started to die and slow down then suddenly pic up a bit then die again, this continued on till i got to town about 10km luckily.
Rang boss and went to mechanics asap, result.
A filter that was completely loaded with junk, mechanic concerned that that amount of gunk may have damaged the pump.
New filter see how it goes for the return trip, same problem.
Fuel filter was not pumping anough to run the engine and it was a 2.6l 4
cylinder beasty.

[caekmaster]

hmmm, ill give that a try, i also talked to the previous owner, just before i got it he had done coil pack, dfi module, ECU, and CAS, but he has never done the fuel pump

[caekmaster]

Hi guys, just an update. I went and got a new ECU as i tested the fuel pump relay socket and it was not sending the 2 second prime signal, still no joy. also, i disconected the fuel supply hose and when i turned it over, fuel came out.

I was thinking maybe coils, DFI or CAS but im not sure if them not working would cause no dash lights to come on when ignition is on.

would really appreciate it if someone could help me out,

thanks

[Matt_vp]

i had a simular problem a while ago, i would be driving or have just started the car and it would stop and when the key was turned to on, the check engine light wouldn't come on. but if i put a bit of wire between the fuel pump and 12 volt wires on the dionostic plug when the key is turned to on, it would arc (make sparks) and the check engine light would come on, then it would start. i replaced nearly all the sensors on the car, swaped computers, fuel pumps and coil packs. try arcing the wires out when the key is turned to on.

i would start at the fuel pump and check the bits of wire that go to the pump inside the tank, then try oil pressure sensor and go over the wiring with a multi meter looking for problems.
Good luck mate
Matt

[VrWagz1]

Have you checked all fuses. Might be a blown one somwhere and you might get you dash lights back to check codes

[caekmaster]

thanks for that matt

yes all fuses, links, and relays have been checked

[VN_Luke]

does it have an aftermarket immobiliser/alarm?

[caekmaster]

yes it has an immobiliser, it is a remote one that wont let you turn over the engine, or get reds and check engine light if it is on.

ive done some more testing, the ECU has power going to it, and it is not sending out the 2 second fuel pump prime signal, also it is not sparking. i still have a feeling it might be the ECU even though i have replaced it with one from the wreckers and since i dont have another VN/VP i cant test it

[VN_Luke]

yes it has an immobiliser, it is a remote one that wont let you turn over the engine, or get reds and check engine light if it is on.

....

there is no dash lights when the ignition on, and my fuel pump wont prime

Have you checked the relay/switch signal from the alarm/immobiliser properly? sounds like it's cutting the entire ignition circuit (which is separate to the starter circuit .. hence why you might be able to crank, but have no ignition.).... there will be an additional top secret relay somewhere wired up to the immobiliser that cuts the ignition circuit?

maybe there's a broken fuse @ the actual immobiliser/alarm? (the fuses won't be in the factory spot...)

[caekmaster]

....

What i mean is, that if the immobiliser is enabled, there will be no reds or check engine light on the dash, and the engine wont turn over, but when i press the remote button to disable it, there will be lights and the engine will crank.

Have you checked the relay/switch signal from the alarm/immobiliser properly? sounds like it's cutting the entire ignition circuit (which is separate to the starter circuit .. hence why you might be able to crank, but have no ignition.).... there will be an additional top secret relay somewhere wired up to the immobiliser that cuts the ignition circuit?

maybe there's a broken fuse @ the actual immobiliser/alarm? (the fuses won't be in the factory spot...)

I havent checked this, where do you think the relays, or the immobiliser unit would be located?

[VN_Luke]

I havent checked this, where do you think the relays, or the immobiliser unit would be located?

not sure mate, you'll have to fish around... I'd be guessing under the dash, either behind the glove box, or in the steering column area.

[caekmaster]

Ok thanks alot for your help, ill have a look, but im almost certain the problem is electrical.

ill let let you know how it goes

[caekmaster]

No its defiantly not the immobilizer i pulled it out and checked the fuse, i still have a feeling its the ECU, as there is still no check engine light or reds, no fuel pump prime, and no spark, and all of these are controlled by the ECU,

is there anyway i can test the ECU wiring, and the unit itself?

thanks

[VN_Luke]

the reds aren't controlled by the ECU, the reds should come on as a result of the ignition circuit being powered. - co incedentally, the ECU is also on the same circuit. if the circuit isn't getting any power, you won't get reds or any ECU power.

when you turn the key onto ignition, do you hear a click from the engine bay? (the EFI relay clicking in?)

have you tried changing the efi and check lamps relay with the headlight relays, for example, to test if they're working as they should?

- I'd check relays are operating (by changing them with other ones you KNOW are working)
- triple check those fusible links in the engine bay
- could your ignition switch be buggered and not be switching properly?
- could someone have tried to steal your car, and broken it trying to hotwire it?

[caekmaster]

ill check those relays, but no, i cant hear a click from the engine when i turn the ignition on

ill check all the things you suggested,

really appreciate all your help

[caekmaster]

I played around with the relays a bit, swapped them over and stuff, i can now get the fuel pump to prime, but still no reds or check engine light, and no ignition :S

[LUMPY 8]

my old car did the same thing but mine was a faulty alarm. Have u taken it out and connected everything bak up with out the alarm in it.