1.9Td - Engine Stalling Problem

[Darren.Collett]

Hi I have a zx 1.9td sx. This car has never missed a beat but yesterday developed a very strange fault. The car always starts first time and runs as sweet as a nut. But since yesterday, once warm stops randomly, with no warning, no splutter just as if the key has been turned to the stop position. No warning lights illuminate, it just stops. When trying to restart it restarts, runs for approx 1 second and then stops again. It will do this for 2 - 10 times and then maybe run for 15 - 30 seconds and then stop again and repeat the start / stop process again. I have changed the fuel filter, replaced all the leak off pipes on the injectors as a pre caution. The immobiliser has been disconnected for years as it drove me round the bend entering a code every time to start the car! If you leav.e the car to go cold it will run perfectly until it gets up to temp and then keeps stopping. It never seems to cut out when you accelerate hard but as soon as you lift off the throttle it will die. Has anyone experienced this before or have any ideas what may be causing the problem??? I'm thinking it may be the solenoid on the fuel pump but am open to suggestions.

 

Many thanks. :-/

[Johndouglas]

Yes!   I would check the function of the stop solenoid.   On some models it's possible to remove the solenoid and replace it without the plunger and spring.    Tie the 12volt supply out of the way.   The engine will run but it won't switch off on the key.

[Darren.Collett]

Hi John,

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

So, does the car apply or remove 12v to the stop solenoid to stop it? From your response you suggest it applies it to stop the car, I would have thought it remove it to stop it??

 

Also do you know if there. Is a relay associated with this solenoid somewhere. I'm thinking that if there is this could also be at fault?

 

Again, thanks for the reply

 

Darren

[Johndouglas]

Thinking back to my BX days, I think the solenoid was powered directly from the ignition switch. With the plunger in the unpowered state, it blocked the flow of fuel. With the ignition switched the plunger is lifted allowing the fuel to flow. As a temporary measure you could try bypassing the wiring and take a temporary supply wire directly from the battery.

[paul.h]

Crankshaft and cam shaft sensors when failing can stop an engine once hot but will let it run again when cooled down.

[Darren.Collett]

Hi Paul.

 

I don't think there is a camshaft sensor on the 1.9 td is there? And the crank sensor it purely for the rev counter if I'm correct??

 

Daren.

[paul.h]

Crank sensors (and cam sensors if fitted) are used by the ecu so it knows the position of the engine for fueling. To see what is on your engine, you need to provide the engine type.

[Johndouglas]

Although Darren hasn't mentioned the year of his vehicle the engine fitted to the ZX is likely to be the XUD9-162.   And he's right - there is no camsensor as the fuel pump is timed to the engine position. 

 

If his problem hasn't been resolved, my first trial would be to put a temporary wire directly from the battery to the pump solenoid, then start the car and try running it using the temporary wire.   That would rule out any malfunction in the harness wiring.   To stop the engine you will need to momentarily disconnect the temporary wire.

[Darren.Collett]

Hi john

 

Thanks for clarifying. That is indeed my next course of action. However, what a complete ass it is to get to the little bugger!!!!!!!! Once the security cover is off the pump it isnt going back on!!!!!! :-)

[Johndouglas]

Yours must be a late model. Any I've had dealings with didn't have a cover and the solenoid were easily accessed. Is the pump a Roto-diesel or Bosch?

[Darren.Collett]

It's a Lucas unit. The solenoid and immobiliser unit is covered by a thick steel plate that is secured by 4 bolts. 3 of them are sheer bolts and almost impossible to get to. The car is a 96 (P). Might even be a fuel pump out job realistically!!!! :-(

[Johndouglas]

The solenoid and immobiliser unit is covered by a thick steel plate

That's a shame. All my previous XUDs didn't have the immobiliser fitted consequently no cover. However on one car I immobilized it by fitting a hidden switch under the dash which cut the power to the solenoid.