is this the correct cable for a 94 plus 8? Might get one just in case if it is.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223995701921

thanks

Gary

Yes, that is the correct cable. You may find that your PC will automatically install the correct drivers. It is a standard usb serial device programmed for the correct number of 'bits' for the 14CUX

that's brill, think I'll order one 'just in case'

Car hasn't moved or started for seven weeks now and I don't want to be wasting time if something is amis when I can drive it again.

Gary

You should find the ecu diagnostic socket under the dash, just behind the glove box, just hanging off of the end of a piece of cable. There is a plug in the socket which prevents the ecu seeing electrical noise and thinking it is a message, from memory there is just one black wire connected to the plug. When you use the diagnostic tool, just remove the plug, and insert the plug on the end of the diagnostic cable.

.

Ivo

To summarise your results so far, you get a spark to earth, using the HT lead connected to the coil, when you try to start the engine. However it is just one spark and then there is no further spark.

I believe you have confirmed that you have a constant supply to the coil while cranking, (actually 10 volts during cranking ?). The ignition is effectively a standalone circuit, the section you are testing comprises

The pickup in the distributor
The ignition amplifier
The coil
Cable from pickup to amplifier
Cable from amplifier to coil


Just to give you an idea of the cost of these items, using https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID010021

choice of
Pick-up and Baseplate - Distributor - STC2898P1 - OEM £91.20
or
Pick-up and Baseplate - Distributor - STC2898P - Aftermarket £42.60

Amplifier Module - 35DLM8 - STC1184P - Aftermarket £18
Ignition Coil - Replacement for Bosch Type - Valeo - PRC6574P £19.50 (note there are coils from other manufacturers listed on the web site)

There was a change of connector around, or after, 1995 so you will need to confirm which type of connector you have on your distributor. My 95 Plus 8 has the STC2898 type pickup and baseplate. The later type is.

Amplifier Module - 35DLM8 - STC1184P - Aftermarket £18
or option of
Ignition Module and Link Lead - Britpart STC1184K £30.30

It is inferred that items marked OEM type are better quality, I purchased the STC2898P1 which is the OEM type, but I did have to take a file to the plastic connector to make it fit correctly into the slot in the body of the distributor

You can buy the parts from many different suppliers. I have also used britishparts.co.uk

Thank you, Mike, you summed it up perfectly.

My guess is goes into the direction of a faulty pickup, or ignition amplifier, because the symptoms got worse progressively, which could indicate a slow deterioration of a electronic component.

Anyhow, he car is now in for repairs and I will let them figure out what the problem is and replace everything necessary. I would not say „money does not matter“, but I‘m willing to pay, in order to have a reliable car. Anyway, after the crisis our money may be worth less, so why not invest it now…

Sunny greetings,
Ivo

My Moggie starts again
It was, in fact, the ignition amplifier, so they replaced that one and also the ignition coil, which is OK for me.

Thank you all, for pointing me into the right direction

Sunny greetings 🌞
Ivo

That's very good to hear! Such troubleshooting can be a real pain! Now you can enjoy the car and the nice weather

Great news. Now you can enjoy the car.

Really pleased to hear you are back on the road Ivo and ready for the new adventures