Car won't start checklist....

[Semnoz]

Originally Posted by Model flyer

Be careful using easy start. It's ether based and will cause you engine to knock as it combusts earlier than diesel fuel ,hence the noisy start. This can also cause other damage like broken piston rings especially on high milage engines.

Totally agree !

I've only used it twice now, once to get some more readings for VIDA and the other time to carry out the injector leak-back test.

I needed to move the car along the driveway this morning and rather than start the engine, I pushed the car along by hand - it sure is heavy !

[Semnoz]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Would a dodgy cam sensor or wiring not prevent the engine running normally once it's started?

I think the ECM won't initiate the injectors until it calculates a satisfactory 'sync' between cam and crank position sensors.

My guess is that once the engine is running, the ECM ignores the camshaft position sensor error codes, or perhaps the hall sensor component comes to life at higher engine RPMs ?

What I don't understand is why using EasyStart would bypass all this and allow the engine to start.....is it because the glow-plugs ignite the vapour, and hence it can start without ignition and fuel injection ?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Would a dodgy cam sensor or wiring not prevent the engine running normally once it's started?

"Dodgy" covers a broad spectrum of intermittent failure so anything is possible.

[tommyweaves]

Flaming electronics! It's all witchcraft and hocus-pocus to me!

[Semnoz]

All fixed !

I decided to inspect the wiring loom that feeds the injectors and camshaft position sensor, as it had all got quite grimy and I found three wiring problems caused by abrasion against camshaft cover and a poorly placed cable tie:

Two of the problems were simply the coating worn down to the copper - just needed cleanup and new electrical tape applied.

The real 'break-through' was finding a complete fracture, and near fracture in 2 of the 3 wires leading to the camshaft position sensor. This required lots of cleaning, wire-prep, soldering, heatshrink, electrical tape, cable ties etc...

Car started perfectly first time, all VIDA codes gone. Went for spin and it's livelier than before.

After driving my Focus this week (which is still a great car) it was nice to be back in the V70's amazing seats. Kids are happy too - the Star Destroyer lives again !

Only downside is spending £325 on new battery, fuel filter, leak-back tester and VIDA/DICE......however, all very good purchases that I don't regret one bit.

Actual repair cost half a role of electrical tape

Thanks to everyone for the help.

[tommyweaves]

Yay, great result, great thread!

[Splodger]

Good to hear..... I don't think I would have had the patience.

[Simon Jones]

Excellent news. So many electrical / electronic 'faults' are actually mechanical problems relating to connections etc.