Frustrating Starting Problems

[jasper]

Hi

Can anybody help or had a similiar problem.

My galaxy 2.3 ghia has an intermitent starting problem, the engine turns over fine, but wont start. it has happened four times now and has been to the garage three times and due in agian next week. The garage ( a Ford main dealer)do not seem able to solve it and I have lost confidence in them being able to, the story so for goes like this:-

 

5 wks ago one morning car would turn over but not start, garage recoverd vehicle and confidentry said it was the battery, cost a new battery, labour and recovery .

 

2 hrs after bringing car home, it would turn over but not start, quick irrate phone call to garage, garage recovered vehicle and few days later confidently said the test showed a fault with the ecm? module,

[italiastar]

Sorry I can't help, but this is just another example of dealer incompetance who charge

[Nige F]

Can't give you a solution to the problem,but mine did exactly the same thing earlier this week. Tried spare keys in case the transponder was playing up with no difference. After a few more tries and putting the throttle to the floor several times it started and has been fine since.

[Guest ianock]

Sounds like the 'infamous' relay 30 again! When the fault is there(lights/relays buzzing)does it turn over fast or sluggish? Some models have large connector behind the battery that rots & gives loads of problems.

 

Next time you take the car to Ford dealer(if you ever do)just tell them to spent one hour on the car,plenty of time to run a WDS/FDS diagnostic check.If no fault is apparent(& remember intermittent faults are the curse of the motor trade,not just Ford!)then it's not worth paying out money for something that at present isn't there.

Ford technicians(along with BMW)are the best trained in the motor trade,so ask that the 'Master'(or in this situation best for the)''Electrical specialist' ONLY work on your car as they have the experience/knowledge & ability to induce the fault to occur,ask to see their certificates & their signature on the job card!

 

Galaxies are well known for electrical problems which is why alot of buyers steer clear of them which is why this site is so popular(see previous post about helpful folk on this site)In meantime make a note of everything that happens when the fault reoccurs(if it does?)to the last detail & give your dealer a copy of it if it gets towed there again.The more info you can provide help cut down labour time & gets to the fault faster.Does seem that you have been overcharged(excessive labour) & parts fitted upon a 'whim',any decent garage would let you know that no fault is present & await your instructions.My advice(for what its worth)change relay 30/check all other relays are firmly in place & take it from there,good luck

 

p.s.

[jasper]

Thanks for your replies, i'll keep you posted. ianock I agrre I have a hunch its a relay problem dry joint or something similiar.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Starter turning but engine not firing suggests to me that it could well be an immobiliser problem. Trouble is, this could be a shorted/broken wire somewhere, or dry/broken solder joint on an ECU pcb, or........