Drove my Scooby into town, about 4 miles. Parked it up, did some shopping. Came back to it about an hour later. It started first time, (which it always does), then, as I put it in reverse and started to move out of the space, the engine stopped. I didn't stall it, it just stopped. It then refused to restart, and the "Check Engine" light was flashing.
I got out, and lifted the bonnet, but could not see anything obvious, (surprise, surprise,) so I got back in, and tried again.
It started perfectly, and got me home as it always does!
It's a '98 UK turbo, with ITG filter, full TSL decat, but otherwise standard.
So, come on all you engine experts. What I'd like to know is:
Is this an indicator of a serious problem?
Or is it something less serious which is intermittent and likely to strand me in the future?
Or is it a one off, and it can be ignored?
Anyone any ideas what actually happened?

Alcazar

 

You need to check what the CEL was activated for..

Check this website for details of how and what the code translates too..

I would point the finger at one of the sensors but it could be any of them.. throttle position, water temp, crank, cam etc..

Could be a one off but more likely it will re-occur.. I have had problems go away by cleaning the sensors but they usually come back eventually..

JGM

 

Time to find out something from the 'historical' data bit on the ECU! Should tell you.
Reading the codes? Ask someone else

 

Oops! I double-posted for JGM!

 

Hopefully we are pointing in the right direction Nom..

Could be Maf also.. but CEL history should show up..

JGM

 

Had a look at the site. The bit about decoding the pulses makes sense, but where are the connectors you have to put jumper leads across??I looked at the diagram, but it didn't mean anything to me.
Alcazar

 

on the MY99 cars it's a case of connecting the 2 black conectors under the dash and then turning on the ignition. Don't start the engine

 

Believe it is the same on all of them..

From my understand the green at the test mode connectors..
and the black the memory code connectors.. and connecting both black and green at the same time does a reset.

I shall email two documents I have on the subject.

JGM

 

Alcazar,

You have mail!

JGM

 

Cheers to all for replies. It now being dark, I'll have a poke around under the dash tomorrow, and see if I can spot these "Connectors".
If not, I'll repost tomorrow.
Alcazar

 

alcazar,

If you have any problems let me know, as ive found them on my car....!!

I live on brumby wood lane...

Dan

 

And cheers for that too! I even know which house......
Alcazar