Hi all,
This is my first request for help on this forum, so apologies if I don't get things spot on this time.
Anyhow
I bought a 93 3.2s XJ40 as a project.
It's a non runner.
I have had the electrics tested and everything appears to be ok with those.
I have also had the starter motor off and bench tested it no problems.
The problem I have is that when you turn the key to start there is no crank.
The brake servo buzzes and the fuel rail sounds like it's priming but that is it.
I have checked all the earths and replaced a couple of those.
Just don't know where to go from here so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Forgot to mention - new battery installed so thats not the problem

Thanks in advance.

 

Hello I can only offer you some general advice.

First off are you sure that the engine is not seized, you bought it as a non runner.

Is this an auto or manual car? Neutral or Park for an auto, clutch depressed for a manuaL

First off what exactly happens when you turn the key.

Do you have any messages on the VCM?

Have someone stick their head into the boot/trunk when you first turn the key on, for them to listen to the fuel pump. If no sound then check and reset the Inertia switch, depending on whether lhd or rhd, located behind the trim kick panel in the foot well.

Have you checked and tested the starter relay and inline fuse?

Check the solenoid, by running a lead from the batt+ to the ignition terminal on the solenoid. If it now works, then like as not you have an ignition switch problem. (ah just reread your OP you say you have bench tested).

Cheers,

 

Hi,
Thanks for the speedy reply.
The engine turns with a wrench so it's not seized.
It's an auto and i've tried in park, neutral and in drive with the brake on.

When I turn the key everything on the dash lights up ok. Turn to ignition position and the brake servo starts and the fuel system kicks in.

on VCM I get FUSE 5 but not every time.
Inertia switch checked ok.

I haven't checked starter relay - where is it? and the fuse?

Thanks again for you advice.

 

Fuse 5 might be near the root of your problem. Inline fuse for ABS and main ECU relay.

This and starter relay located behind the valance panel in the passenger footwell. You need to unscrew the panel to gain access.

Cheers,

 

Update......
Had an auto electrician round. He fiddled around for a while and got the thing cranking, but that is all. He says it is immobilised.
I have no fob and the guy I bought the car off doesn't recall having a fob.
Bearing in mind this is a 1993 3.2S,
should there be a fob?
If so can I get one and program it?
I'm assuming it's not down to key matching because I have the original keys.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.....again!!

On the up side, It's a step in the right direction to getting my awesome car back on the road!!!!

 

This might sound like a daft reply, but he did check for spark, and fuel delivery once he got it to crank?

I'll stick my neck out and say don't bother with the fob, can't see that it will have anything to do with your problem.

You need to see if you are getting a spark from the coil at the plugs and that your fuel pump is delivering the stuff. (there is fuel in it I suppose).

Is your fuel pump coming on for a few seconds when you first turn the key on? (they are well known to fail)

 

Thanks again for the reply,

I'll double check the fuel.
He actually got it to crank by opening the black box under the dash labelled starter solenoid and manually engaging the relay. I apologise for being vague, but my understanding of auto electrics is at best, limited. :-)
Does that shed any new light on the matter?
I'll try doing this again and check for spark etc.
I assumed he knew what he was talking about having paid him for his time. lol.
Thanks again! no doubt I'll be back on with more questions!!

 

Yeah man it sucks doesnt it? Im still having the same prob, no VCM messages and all Im getting is a click and it seems as it the fuel system is engaging, because the car moved a bit and you can hear the clunk of the pull from under the driver seat, but nothin... think somethin got dislodged like Translator suggested I have a 94 man these things are tricky.

 

Do you get a signal from the ingition switch at the relay he jumped? I would suspect a ignition switch fault and or park nuetral switch,. Does the gearshift "p"light up when you turn on the ignition? These are things to look at if you can jump the solenoid to activate the starter. Also turn on the ignition to the on position and jump the relay again, does the car start?

 

Hi Brutal,

Thanks for the reply.
I've looked at the things you suggested.
The 'P' does not light up when the ignition is in the on position.
Not sure what you mean by signal at the relay so don't know how to check it.
Could the 'P' have something to do with it then?
I'd be forever in your debt if you can find me a 'cheap' solution to get me running.

 

Brutal, you are an absolute legend!!
I've just had the centre console to bits with the help of my trusty Haynes manual and had a jiggle about with the wires associated with the gear selector and................ it now turns over with the key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I don't have time today to check spark, fuel etc but progress has been made!!!

Many Many thanks!!!! It may live yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

check to see if you are getting fuel to the fuel rail,
if fuel is not getting to the rail check fuel filter,also make sure the fuel pump is working when you check the filter.
if you are getting fuel to the rail check to make sure the rail is not clogged (my 90 xj6 had this problem drove me nuts and to fix all i did was to remove the rail and injector nozels and flush the rail out with choke cleaner.

 

It's alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had a tinker this morning. Checked spark - meaty.
Checked fuel - none. Checked there was fuel in - check. Checked i could hear the fuel pump - fail!!!
Checked fuel pump relay by taking cover off and manually switching it - fuel pump whirrs.
Held the switch in while a mate turned it over and she burst into life!!!!
Running absolutely sweet as a nut!!!!
Now obviously, I can't have someone in the boot everywhere i go to hold the relay switch in so gonna get a new one.
Then it's in for an MOT and see what else need doing!!!
I'll get some pictures up asap, as this will be the start of the restoration project, so you can all see how it is coming along.
Many thanks to everyone who offered their advice. I was so close to parting it now i'm chuffed to bits!!!!
Thanks again everyone!!!!

 

That's great news Jon. Now the fun begins
This is what the Forum is all about, you had France, Texas, and Massachusetts all trying to get a car started in Geordie Land.

At least now you know that it is not 'Officially Dead'.

Surely with all the unemployment, you can find a small person that wants to ride around in a Jag, just don't tell them exactly where they will be sitting.

 

Now then, all is not a bed of roses.
I've ruled out the relay being a problem as I've tried it elsewhere and it works perfectly.
So. I have 12v down the thick brown wire going to the relay. I have good earth from the thin black wire. The other thick wire goes to the fuel pump which i'm assuming is ok because the fuel pump works when i switch the relay manually.
Looking at the Haynes wiring diagram, it says that the other wire (thin blue/purple) goes to the oxygen sensor.
Could this be the problem?
I've had a look and the connections at the oxygen sensor and wires away from it look good.
I'm stumped again. Bubble well and truly burst. HELP!!! :-D

 

I think you have a crappy manual. You shouldnt have a wire to 02 sensor, but an ignition feed/ecu(Im not looking at a wiring diag only memory and logic) thin black wire to gnd(good). fat wire thats hot(good) other fat wire to fuel pump(good) the other wire has to have a power signal on it to power relay to complete the FP circuit. focus on that wire..
And yes it could be on that circuit, but would or should be a spliced connection, not a direct feed if it truely is on the leg

 

Just an update guys,
Sorted out the fuel pump relay problem! It turns out that there is a relay under the bonnet that was goosed which has something to do with the one in the boot. Mechanic friend found the problem and everything is sweet.
Took it out for a quick drive yesterday and it runs and drives like a dream.
Next job is MOT to get a snag list so we can get on with the restoration.
I'll get some pictures on in the next couple of days to start off a picture diary of sorts for anyone who is interested in following my little project.
Hoping to have her taxed and tested and on the road in a couple of months.
Once again, thanks to everyone who offered help and advice to get my baby runnning.
Looking forward to the most rewarding part of the job now by putting a classic British car back on the road where she deserves to be.