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924S starting problems

S

shad

New member
Hi Guys
I got my 1988 924S back in April and have not had any problems whatsoever. It started first time every time even after 4 weeks of non-use
In mid October I tried to start it but the battery was dead. (It wasn't too cold either)
The car would not start even after jump leads from another car AND a mobile jump start supplied power as well.
Mechanical checks showed fuel intake and spark plugs OK
It started eventually after 20 minutes and got through the MOT later.
I also put in a brand new Bosch battery the same day.
After a few days, the same problem . The engine cranks but car does not start.
The car is fitted with a Thatcham immobiliser/alarm (does this have to be reset after battery change or something?)
No one can quite put the finger on what is wrong and I am at my wits end
If the problem can't be solved, I very much regret to say with a very heavy heart that the car will have to go as I don't fancy getting stuck at midnight in less than desirable places.
Such a shame really as I waited almost 2 years to find the 924 of my dreams.
Any help no matter how trivial it may seem would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Shad
 
Hi Steve
To be frank I am not sure, but will have this checked out
I discussed the problem with Bert Gear who assures me that unlike the 924, the 924S does not have cold starting problems and also assured me that this is a non problem.
The handbook recommends depressing the clutch fully in cold weather even when the car is in neutral, but that made no difference.
Incidentally, mine is also in zermat silver.
Cheers
Shad
 
Or further on the DME itself.
I don't remember if the is a fuel pump relay on the 924S - probably is so check that as well.
Cheers,
 
Thanks Paul and Fred

I'll try all solutions which have been suggested and keep you posted
Sure hope it works, what with winter coming
Cheers
Shad
 
Shad,

I had a similar problem not long after getting my 924S. It was fine for the first few weeks (warm weather) and then as the weather cooled slightly it either wouldn't start at all or would cut out. It turned out to be the cold start sensor - I think it was about £20 and very simple to swap over in a few minutes.

Sian
 
I have a 924 (not s) in Spain which when left for about 3 months does not start. The battery is fine. My fix is to jumper the Fuel Pump relay and listen for the pump & let it run for a while. The Haynes manual tells you how to do this.
I have replaced the relay a number of times and have been told by a 924 expert that if the pump is sluggish the contacts on the relay can not pass enough current to get the pump turning. Instead of having to take out the relay and jumper it, I have now fitted a switch in parallel to the relay.
 
Thanks for the tip John. Can you please explain what you mean when you say "jumper"
Can you also give me a reference in the Haines manual where that is explained.
Cheers
Shad
 
Our original 924 Lux suffered the same;If I remember,I replaced the extra air valve and the thermotime switch-cured.When the current 924S gave the same symptoms,I replaced all the sensors one at a time where necessary after checking values and the cold start valve.As I had no Haynes manual,it was hit and miss but while the car starts every time,it still doesn't ramp up to fast idle(which is what the thermotime switch controls on a 924).I haven't bothered since it starts easily but I was told that a dry joint in the ECU can do this.
Anybody any views on that?
 
Hi
Could you please let me know all the sensors you changed as I might as well do the same to keep one step ahead.
Cheers
Shad
 
Hi Shad,
Can't do it straight away as I have no details here at the office,but will bring stuff in tomorrow and let U know.Happily,I suffer from "squirrelitus" and I think I still have all the old one s in the garage(there was probably not much wrong with them).The fuel injection system on a 924S was the same as fitted to the Rover SD1 Vitesse(now you know my signature reason) I had at the time so the Haynes manual for the Rover is quite good(and I still have it).I could let you have the relevant pages if I can master the IT implications.
 
Hi Vitesse
Thanks for the info. I look forward to receiving it when you are able.
Kind regards
Shad



 
Hi Folks

Just to let you all know that changing the DME relay cured the problem first time.

I also got the temperature sensor but could not work out where that went and the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" repeatedly came to mind.

Nevertheless, I would like to know if there are other parts I should be changing just in case to keep things in shape and be one step ahead.

Many thanks agains for all your kind and helpful suggestions

I can hang on to my cherished 924S once again.

Kind regards
Shad
 
Hello Shad,
Sounds as if you had a result. The replacement DME relay has probably got a part number starting with 993, the old one will have 944 on it. I think you'll be trouble free in that area now as the 993 unit is more robust.
It is Murphy's Law that anything that goes wrong will be something you don't have a spare for. All adds to the fun! Apart from a good supply of the bullet fuses all I carry is a 2 litre pop bottle filled with water and a breakdown recovery card.
Cheers,


 
Hello Fred
The old one funnily enough is a 993, so the previous owner must have had it changed recently.
But I do take your point since I am a strong believer in Murphy's law and just carry the breakdown card. And yes, it does add to the fun
However, I don't think I'll be making midnight trips especially in winter !!!
Many thanks again
Kind regards
Shad
 
Hi Nathan
Thanks a lot for the tip, I shall certainly order the fuses and the spare relay. Pity the 924S handbook does not mention this.
Do you think it worthwhile to change the fuses anyway in case they are on their last legs or do you change them as and when.
Do you know if the Haynes manual 924/944 describes this procedure?
Cheers
Shad
 
Hi Nathan
Thanks a bunch again
Reaaaally, reaaally useful and very helpful stuff.
This will keep me busy for the next few weeks
Cheers
Shad
 
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