Why wouldn't my car start?

Stag>75 · 11th May 2015, 09:56

First time this has happened to me. R75 2.5 KV6. Drop about 8 km without issues and parked the car. The road was at quite an angle to the kerb so the car was on a tilt to the left. I came back to it about 1/2 hr later and it turned over fine but would not fire. I tried a few times but to no avail. I lifted the bonnet to determine if there was anything obvious but didn't have any tools with me. I wasn't able to tell if it was fuel or spark related. After leaving it for about 5 minutes it started fine.

My concern is that it might happen again in a less convenient place. Any likely candidates?

Dorset Bob · 11th May 2015, 10:27

If it happens again, my money would be on the camshaft sensor.
I had this with mine, fine when starting from cold but didn't like warm start ups.

cunny44 · 11th May 2015, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stag>75

First time this has happened to me. R75 2.5 KV6. Drop about 8 km without issues and parked the car. The road was at quite an angle to the kerb so the car was on a tilt to the left. I came back to it about 1/2 hr later and it turned over fine but would not fire. I tried a few times but to no avail. I lifted the bonnet to determine if there was anything obvious but didn't have any tools with me. I wasn't able to tell if it was fuel or spark related. After leaving it for about 5 minutes it started fine.

My concern is that it might happen again in a less convenient place. Any likely candidates?

I've just had the same happen to me on my diesel - see my thread just put up - the RAC reckon it is the in tank fuel pump - so I'm wondering if it is an easy fix.

t5tart · 11th May 2015, 11:59

was the fuel low ? could have just been not hitting the pickup
I had this with a Volvo of mine moved it off the drive fine only 20 feet then it wouldnt start.. the fuel was low stuck a gallon or 2 in it and it started fine

Avulon · 11th May 2015, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorset Bob

If it happens again, my money would be on the camshaft sensor.
I had this with mine, fine when starting from cold but didn't like warm start ups.

Listen to Bob. You can test the theory by make sure there's plenty of fuel in the tank (well above a quarter full) warm the car up to temperature and stop. Leave it a minute and then try and start it. If it starts turn off straight away and try again. The problem with the camshaft sensor is that without it working correctly the starting will be erratic with a warmed up engine. If it's a fueling issue then it's quite different to the diesel (cunny44 is referring to a diesel which has a different pumping arrangement).

Stag>75 · 11th May 2015, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avulon

Listen to Bob. You can test the theory by make sure there's plenty of fuel in the tank (well above a quarter full) warm the car up to temperature and stop. Leave it a minute and then try and start it. If it starts turn off straight away and try again. The problem with the camshaft sensor is that without it working correctly the starting will be erratic with a warmed up engine. If it's a fueling issue then it's quite different to the diesel (cunny44 is referring to a diesel which has a different pumping arrangement).

Plenty of fuel in the tank and it drove fine after it started. From reading other threads on the sensor I'm wondering if the angle it was parked perhaps flooded the sensor with oil and whether that may have been the cause.

MangoMan · 11th May 2015, 12:32

I would go with Bob here - definitely sounds like the Cam Sensor on the way out... Mine played up when I first got the car, replaced it and it's been fine since.

Location:

Stag>75 · 20th May 2015, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stag>75

Plenty of fuel in the tank and it drove fine after it started. From reading other threads on the sensor I'm wondering if the angle it was parked perhaps flooded the sensor with oil and whether that may have been the cause.

So to finish to story I made plans to get a new sensor and on the day I had to get it the car wouldn't start any time it was warm ....

New sensor in and everything is now fine.

Thanks everyone.

Dorset Bob · 22nd May 2015, 12:34

I am glad that you got it sorted.

11th May 2015, 09:56	#1
Stag>75 Gets stuck in Rover 75 Saloon 2.5 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 563 Thanks: 52 Thanked 96 Times in 80 Posts	Why wouldn't my car start? First time this has happened to me. R75 2.5 KV6. Drop about 8 km without issues and parked the car. The road was at quite an angle to the kerb so the car was on a tilt to the left. I came back to it about 1/2 hr later and it turned over fine but would not fire. I tried a few times but to no avail. I lifted the bonnet to determine if there was anything obvious but didn't have any tools with me. I wasn't able to tell if it was fuel or spark related. After leaving it for about 5 minutes it started fine. My concern is that it might happen again in a less convenient place. Any likely candidates?

11th May 2015, 10:27	#2
Dorset Bob Senior Citizen Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur SE,Chrysler 300C,124 Spider, Daytona 955i,Honda XL250 & Royal Enfield 650GT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Kingdom of Wessex Posts: 6,976 Thanks: 2,391 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,686 Posts	If it happens again, my money would be on the camshaft sensor. I had this with mine, fine when starting from cold but didn't like warm start ups. __________________ Let the good times roll............

11th May 2015, 11:59	#4
t5tart Posted a thing or two MG ZT cdti Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Northants / Bucks border Posts: 1,815 Thanks: 260 Thanked 204 Times in 182 Posts	was the fuel low ? could have just been not hitting the pickup I had this with a Volvo of mine moved it off the drive fine only 20 feet then it wouldnt start.. the fuel was low stuck a gallon or 2 in it and it started fine __________________ now with ZT Diesel power after killing the connie and the zt180 combusting see my scrapbook thread check your sunroof drains and plenum drains http://www.buddy-icons.info/img/smile/1609.gif members who do t4 diagnostics map

11th May 2015, 12:32	#7
MangoMan This is my second home Looking.... Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: England Posts: 10,911 Thanks: 862 Thanked 1,111 Times in 868 Posts	I would go with Bob here - definitely sounds like the Cam Sensor on the way out... Mine played up when I first got the car, replaced it and it's been fine since. Location: __________________ *Regards, Bill - (MangoMan).* (Member 00854) http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...d.jpg~original

22nd May 2015, 12:34	#9
Dorset Bob Senior Citizen Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur SE,Chrysler 300C,124 Spider, Daytona 955i,Honda XL250 & Royal Enfield 650GT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Kingdom of Wessex Posts: 6,976 Thanks: 2,391 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,686 Posts	I am glad that you got it sorted. __________________ Let the good times roll............