Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Zetec won't start!

Can anyone help please?
The last time I ran my car ( 2001 1.8 Zetec ) was a few weeks ago and it was just perfect, but on trying to start it yesterday the engine spun round but it didn't fire up. This is most unusual as it always starts first time.
I have checked the relevant fuses and swapped the relays around but it just won't start! The immobiliser light goes out when the ignition is turned on which I believe is correct.
I can't hear the fuel pump operating and wonder if this imight be a clue, but I have no idea why it would stop running or how to check if it is or not.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated - thanks.

If you can't hear the fuel pump then that is a good place to start.

If yours has the same in tank pump as mine, it has a plug hidden under the wood work under the spare wheel.

I would start by checking you have power to the plug with the ignition on. Some only run for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on so one person at the back with the multimeter with a helper to turn the ignition on.

If no power, look at the fuse, relay and the cutout switch.

You could also try hard wiring the pump to bypass the fuses etc and see if the pump then turns.

Fuel pumps can fail but it's a bu**er to change if it is the in tank pump.

See also this thread.

Fuel Pump Problem

I had the same problem in 2011.
I hope you have a less significant problem than me.
My local expert said it was because the factory had penetrated the wiring loom with wood screws causing a short circuit.
I have no idea where, I was just happy that they fixed. Sadly the identifying of the problems took time hours, and a hughe cost.

Also check the earths. I think by then the fuel pump was fitted with a separate earth. If you take the spare wheel off the earths go to one bolt at the end of the chassis on the drivers side

earthing points

Mine still had the earth in the loom but might have changed on the 2001.

Check that the small chip in the key hasn’t fallen out ,as the immobiliser will still be on . Try the spare key just to be sure .

Brendan

A pound to a penny that it is the fuel pump relay has gone south. The fuel pumps used are very reliable and will generally outlast the car.

This is found up under the dash , easy to remove with 1 screw each side , then look around for the 3 relays on the rear of the firewall , usually mounted quite high up.

One of these is the fuel pump relay , which I think has a purple and black feed to it. You can swap this over for one of the others , in order to test it, then obtain a new one. Best go for a good brand which should last a long time.

Will try to dig out a reference when I have a few more minutes , but rushed right now.

If it's like mine, the relays will be on the outside of the passenger footwell below the wiper motor but IIRC Brendan has checked it.

One thing that can cause a starting problem if the pump is working is that on top of the pump is a pressure pulse damper and over time it can start to leak so the fuel drains back into the tank.

If that happens it can take some time to prime the system although if the pump is working, it should eventually start.

When mine was playing up, I would prime the system a few times before operating the starter just to get the fuel pressure back up.

But you will know from the sound if the pump is working or not.

Inertia switch, perhaps? Try resetting it.

Try your spare ignition key.
The keys have a transponder chip in them and it could have fallen out.

Bud
4/4 - Stanley