Car died - update... Still dead!

katebl

Hey all,

Looking for advice (as always). Had the fuel pump replaced on our Ford Puma about 3 months ago, today pulled into our drive and it cut out. Trying to restart it just leads to a high pitched whine for a couple of seconds and turning over but not starting.

Having read a few similar posts it appears this could be the alternator - anyone tending to agree? If so is this an expensive job and does it take long to fix? Any ideas what caused it or is it just old age ?

Thanks

bigjl

I reckon it sounds like the fuel pump.

The fuel pump would whine a bit when you turn on the ignition surely?

Does it actually start?


Alternators don't tend to pack up and stop the engine working.

The battery light may come on but the car will usually still run till the battery goes flat.

Hammyman

Or the starter motor isn't engaging. It definitely is NOT the alternator - you'd only hear that once the engine was up and running at a decent speed, not when turning over.

alastairq

Trying to restart it just leads to a high pitched whine for a couple of seconds and turning over but not starting.

Ignition failed?

katebl

The noise of the fuel pump engaging has been replaced by this high pitched noise - and it.won't start just turns over. When the fuel pump failed before this noise wasn't there...

Thanks for all suggestions so far...

Hammyman

Give the fuel pump a whack with a hammer.

fadetogrey

Hammyman wrote: »

Give the fuel pump a whack with a hammer.

I have had a similar high pitched whining for many years.suppose its my own fault for marrying her.................:p:p

katebl

An update - had a mobile mechanic come to look at it and found as follows - no difference when using either key (in case of chip?), there is fuel in the lines (he did the pressure test and a squirt poured out), but spark plugs not sparking. All fuses okay and no error codes when plugged in. He did change the battery which is great considering the car still won't start....

Any more ideas? He reckons he's "no electrical genius" but recommended an auto electrician at a garage who will look at it "probably at his leisure". Anything worth checking in the meantime?

mcjordi

coil pack? approx £15 from local factors..

KillerWatt

katebl wrote: »

but spark plugs not sparking.

As 3 components (fuel, air, ignition) are needed for fire and you only have 2 of them (fuel & air), that will explain why the car doesn't start.

I would suggest you give the car to a mechanic that is equipped to deal with it to find out why you have no spark.

katebl

Thanks both,

Mcjordi, the mechanic reckoned the coil pack 'looked alright', is it worth a shot then?!

Killerwatt I wasn't too sure about this guy but he was able to see the car today (everywhere else has a week wait) and I thought this is probably a bit too in-depth for an RAC call out so just wanted to see what he thought - hadn't used him before!