Fuel Pump / Multifunction Relay Clicking

[CHRIS D]

Hi I'm new here although I have owned my ZX for 15 years.  It's a 1996 1.4i 2 door and has been a great car until this recent problem.  When I key on, the fuel pump relay is constantly clicking or chattering as someone called it.  The fuel pump does not prime and the starter will not engage. Also the keypad immobiliser usually has either red or green lights depending on status, now it has both illuminated.  I changed the fuel pump relay for a different one, said to be tested and fully working but it does the same.  The battery is fully charged if that makes any difference.

 

Has anyone got any ideas ? 

[coastline taxis]

Start checking all the earths on the car and the eart lead from the batter to the bodwork

[CHRIS D]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll check the earths as you said. 

 

I tried it with the headlights on and they stay bright with no dimming but I suppose there must be other earthing points around which are not connected to the lighting circuit.  The car is out in the road and its dark when I get home so I'll have to look at it at the weekend.

 

Thanks for your help, I'll let you know how I get on.

[CHRIS D]

Great news, the car is fixed. 

 

The earth lead from the battery to the top of the gearbox was broken.  You need a heavy-duty tool to fit a new crimped terminal so I got another lead and fitted that instead.  The engine fired up straight away and everything is behaving normally now.

 

Thanks again for your help,

 

Chris