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

Ah! Thank you! I don't often venture under the dash because of my arthritis.

OK. So I have just removed the 3 Bosch 0332014112 relays from the fuse box - I am assuming that one of these is is for the fuel pump - and tested them by putting 12volts accross the 85 & 86 terminals. Two are working but one is dead! Just off to order a new one and hoping that this will solve the problem. It may take a few days, but will keep you posted.

Sounds like progress.

There was either a batch of poor relays, or the fuel pump one was underspecced to cope with the initial inrush current.
There is a higher capacity relay (in the same housing as your present one) which may be worth fitting in the future. Not sure if I still have the part number.

One will be the fuel pump and another will be the main ECU power.

If either of those had failed, the engine wouldn't start.

On my setup the other is the engine fan.

I might be tempted to change all 3.

These are the relays I fitted in my Plus 8, replacing a couple of prince of darkness one's. Other suppliers are available..

Always a spare in the glove box.

On my 2003 1.8 Zetec, the fuel pump relay is the same spec as the cooling fan relay.
I’m interested in what the problem turns out to be.
I have had a fuel pump relay failure and carry two spares now.
One is in the glove box and one tucked away in the tool tray.

Hopefully the problem with your car will be that simple.

Bud
4/4 - Stanley
(2003 Black top Zetec)

Always use a diode protected relay on the modern Morgans........

See here... https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/relay-guide.html


When voltage is removed from terminals 85/86 and the coil is de-energised, the magnetic field that has been created around the coil collapses rapidly. This collapse causes a voltage across the coil in the opposite direction to the voltage that created it (+12V), and since the collapse is so rapid the voltages generated can be in the order of several hundred volts (although very low current).

These high voltages can damage sensitive electronic devices upstream of the +12V coil supply side, such as control modules in alarm systems, and since it's common to take low current alarm output signals to energise relay coils, equipment damage is a real risk.

Using a relay with a diode across the coil can prevent this damage by absorbing the high voltage spikes and dissipating them within the coil/diode circuit (this is known as a blocking or quenching diode). The diode will always be installed in the relay with the stripe on the diode body facing towards terminal 86 (reverse biased) and it is important that +12V is connected this terminal (with 85 connected to ground) or the diode could be damaged.

The Bosch one I quoted is diode protected..to prevent back emf effecting the ECU and tbh I think you'll find they all are since the advent of the ECU back emf is an old well known electronic hazard.

Thought I would give it another go whilst awaiting the new relay.
Put the engine fan relay in the fuel pump slot. Removed and cleaned all relevant fuses.
Removed inertia switch, cleaned contacts and re fitted.
Turned on the ignition which resulted in a huge surging from the fuel pump and started first time!
I am well made up!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my success.
Drove out of the garage and the heavens opened so put it away until tomorrow!