Fabia 1.4 16V Not starting UPDATE

[Azzy12]

As title, my sisters 2002 Fabia 1.4 16V Auto turns over, but doesnt start. The car had an oil, oil/air filter and spark plug service 1000miles ago. When the car turns over, its smells of fuel. Ive read it can be a number of things; camshaft position sensor, temp/map sensor, coilpack etc. Can anyone shed some light on what the issue may be? Thanks in advance.

Edited 16 August, 2016 by Azzy12

[Tech1e]

Is the rev counter moving when cranking?

Any fault codes?

[sepulchrave]

Unplug the ECT sensor to eliminate that from your enquiries, it should start but throw the CEL with it unplugged.

[Azzy12]

Yes the rev counter moves up and down slightly when cranking. Havent had the car scanned, it doesnt start up, so cant take it to get it diagnosed. Is the ECT sensor the coolant temp sensor??

Edited 12 August, 2016 by Azzy12

[sepulchrave]

Yes the rev counter moves up and down slightly when cranking. Havent had the car scanned, it doesnt start up, so cant take it to get it diagnosed. Is the ECT sensor the coolant temp sensor??

 

Yes.

[Azzy12]

Okay thanks, ill disconnect the ect sensor tomorrow and see if it starts. If it doesn't, could it be either the camshaft or crankshaft sensor ?

[Tech1e]

If the rev counter is moving the crank sensor is working. Might be worth checking the cambelt/timing.

[Azzy12]

Ive had a look at the cambelt, and it does look worn. The car had 36000miles,and cambelt hasnt been changed. Do you think its worth changing the cambelt in the hope to rectify the issue?

[sepulchrave]

Ive had a look at the cambelt, and it does look worn. The car had 36000miles,and cambelt hasnt been changed. Do you think its worth changing the cambelt in the hope to rectify the issue?

 

No, if the cambelt has slipped then the damage is already done and there will be little or no compression on any of the cylinders and you'd get a cam sensor fault.

[Azzy12]

Damn, so ill need to do a compression test to see if any damage has been done?

[Tech1e]

I'd check the timing first.

[Azzy12]

Tech1e PM'd

[Azzy12]

Id have to get the car scanned to check the timing im assuming?

[Tech1e]

You would need to strip down the cambelt covers and install the camshaft locking tool.

[Azzy12]

Had car scanned, here are the followinh fault codes;

16502 ECT Fault

17978 ECM disabled

01314 ECM No communication

The mechanic stated the issue could be that the key needs recoding or a new ECU.

Would the ECT be causing this issue?

Need help guys, much appreciated

[sepulchrave]

Mechanic is talking rubbish, just replace the ECT sensor and go from there, the bad ECT sensor is probably telling the engine it's -50C so it's over-fuelling massively and flooding.

[Azzy12]

I thought as much lol Thanks for the advice. If a new ECT doesnt fix the car, what would be the next step to take?

[Tech1e]

If not confirm there is no communication with the engine control unit and diagnose the cause.

[sepulchrave]

My 1.4 16V will sometimes not communicate, I find I have to start the engine to wake the ECU, then switch it off and straight back on again to connect. The Marelli ECU goes into a deep sleep state to save power.

[Tech1e]

Disconnect the ECT and if that's faulty it should start on its default value.

[Azzy12]

Okay thanks. Ill disconnect the ECT tomorrow morning and post what happens

[Azzy12]

I just disconnected the ECT sensor and the car still didnt start..

Is it still worth buying another ECT to see if it fixes the issue?

Edited 16 August, 2016 by Azzy12

[Tech1e]

IMHO no, if it was the sensor disconnecting it should have made the difference.

[Azzy12]

Okay how would i now confirm there is no communication with the ecu and diagnose the cause?? :/

[Tech1e]

Try accessing the control unit again. If you cannot check in gateway with VCDS and see if any of the other control units can see the engine ECU. If they can't check lives and earths to the control unit.