ZT-T When to let go.

[MikeGTA]

I'm sure we all reach a point when the maths don't make sense keeping a car.

I may be at that point, but I really don't want to let it go. Help me out.

I have a ZT-T cdti with a Rover Ron box it's done 175000 and has been my daily and dog wagon for over 10 years.

It's by no means connoisseur standard but up until now it's been faultless.

Due an mot today but will not fire up, cranks fine, can't hear fuel pumps. Tested fuses, swapped relays. Nothing.

Windscreen wiper wash doesn't work, changed motor, changed stalk. Nothing. (this is not a recent problem)

Headlining starting to go at the rear.

Discs on back low. I was quoted £600 by my mechanic if it was a MOT failure.

I am pretty unconfident with spanners and DIY.

I'm assuming with a new MOT it might be worth 1-1.5k?

I don't know what to do. I have another car but I bloomin love this car.

[Matt_75]

Hi Mike,

I live near you (assuming you're still in WSM), if you want I can bring round my laptop and scan it for codes? We've had a lot of rain recently, are your plenum drains clear?

[MikeGTA]

Hi Matt, yes I am still in Weston. I've literally just come in after my neighbour tried to scan it with his OBDCII but it couldn't connect. Although it was a cheap Aldi one.

I've not pulled the cover off yet to get at the ecu/plenum but the problem started when I had a flat battery and accidently crossed wires. It started to crank, then fired for a second then stopped. I was convinced I'd blown a fuse but I've been through everything with a multimeter.

Any codes clues would be very useful. I don't want it going for spares or repair if at all possible.

[Matt_75]

PM me your address and let me when you're around if you want and I'll bring the laptop. It's got TOAF installed which is 3rd party diagnostic software specifically for the 75 and ZT.

Did you check the under bonnet fuses? I seem to remember that there's a fuseable link that'll pop if this sort of thing happens, but I might be remembering that incorrectly.

[MikeGTA]

I just did the blades under the bonnet.

Ill PM you Matt, cheers

[MikeGTA]

Thank you Matt for popping round and plugging in your laptop and making suggestions it is really appreciated.

[Matt_75]

No problem. Do the Diesel gurus have any suggestions?

We plugged in the laptop and it was able to communicate with the ECU (and other modules). The ECU had three faults, all of which had historic and a current event stored against them:

CAN error
Glow plug error
Pre-Supply pressure monitoring (1260)

Sorry, I can't remember the specific codes for the first two.



The fuel pumps don't appear to be getting power, or have both failed, but I suggested Mike double check this with a multimeter.

The ECU was dry and clear of water.

The button on top of the inertia switch, with the rubber cover, was already depressed.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

I'm sure we all reach a point when the maths don't make sense keeping a car.
I'm assuming with a new MOT it might be worth 1-1.5k?

Hi Mike,

The "maths" to which you've referred is a common myth. The monetary value of your car is irrelevant. Its practical value to you is very high; you "bloomin' love it" and it's been "faultless" for ten years; that's what's important.

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

I am pretty unconfident with spanners and DIY.
I don't know what to do..

OK, let's look at the faults.

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

Windscreen wiper wash doesn't work, changed motor, changed stalk. Nothing. (this is not a recent problem)

Systematically replacing parts in the hope of striking lucky is not the best approach. It drains your bank account and is demoralising. Find someone with a multimeter and start by checking that a voltage appears at the pump connector.

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

Discs on back low. I was quoted £600 by my mechanic if it was a MOT failure.

Replacing rear discs is a staple task for garages (and I've done it myself on my car). £600 sounds excessive to me. Even if your mechanic is your brother-in-law, I would harvest some more quotes for that routine replacement.

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

Headlining starting to go at the rear.

I'm sure that you can live with that.

Originally Posted by MikeGTA

I don't know what to do.

Start an internet search for people in your area with the expertise to tackle these problems at a reasonable price.

I hope that this helps a little.

Simon

[Matt_75]

Just had a thought, Mike. Did you check the 150Amp mega fuse?

[MikeGTA]

Just tried it Matt it's not that.

Thanks again for yesterday especially in the bitter cold.