Hi everyone,

Being a technical/mechanical luddite, (just ask John Felstead!), I would really appreciate some help.

On the way back from the Midlands meet yesterday, I called in at Trowell services on the M1, filled up with Super (NOT diesel!) and then proceeded to get back on the motorway. I was accelerating in 2nd when the engine went dead - rev needle needle dropped immediately so it should be electrical. I got picked up by Green Flag so the car is back in Hull.

The engine turns over but now does not fire. Please can anybody help - I am taking it to the local dealer tomorrow.

MANY thanks in advance!

Jon "very disturbed" Moss.

 

I had the same when my speedo cable snapped (bloke who fitted it kinked the cable)sending the car into failsafe mode. But after disconnecting the battery for 30 mins it cleared the error codes and started first time. Is yours an import cos mine had the KPH-MPH converter?

Gethin
MY97 WRX

 

Just to check. The engine went dead, and the revs dropped to nil immediately. Did the wheels try to lock so that you had to remove drive (depress clutch / take out of gear) or did the car coast whilst in gear?

If it is the latter, and there is no compression - rock the car back and forwards whilst in gear to see if there is any resistance, you *might* be looking at cambelt failure. Don't try to turn the engine over as it could exacerbate any damage.
KF.

 

Gethin,

Yes it is a WRX. Maybe the speeedo cable

KF, sounds familiar. I THINK I had to put it into neutral after it went dead so as to steer. The engine still tries to turn over and rocks a lot. I looked at the cambelt - (if it is the one visible at the front of the engine!) - and it is intact.

HELP!!!

 

Mossman,
Yeah, don't know how the Subaru responds when the belt goes. In the Rover that I was driving when the belt went, the engine died instantly, although none of the warning lights came on. Shortly after that, the PAS and brake assistance went, which made the roundabout I was approaching at 70mph slightly daunting. There was no resistance in gear (the valves being open prevents any compression) and when I tried to start the engine the crank was spinning up accordingly - but again without compression it was just spinning endlessly.
I too am no expert, but these are the symptoms as I saw them. Hope yours are not the same
KF.

 

Mossman,

Had something very similar 2 months back, changing up from second to third, in MY99 5-door, the engine dropped to 500 rpm and then died. It was recovered back to my local dealers, and when they investigated it was traced to the alarm. On the standard fit alarm there is a smaller box in the main alarm box and a connector in the smaller box had become detached. When turning the key the engine would turn over but wouldn't catch. This was due to the immobiliser kicking in. The cable was plugged back in and all was ok.

Hope its something as simple.

Mark

 

John

Hope you get your car sorted quickly and with out too much expense, sad end to a good day. Hope everything works out!

Paul

 

Had a distributor drive snap on an Escort RS2000 years ago resulting in the same symptoms. It was accompanied by a loud "ping" before everything went dead, though.

 

Had the same thing with our RB5 last week - it turned out to be the relay fuse!!

Hope you get it sorted.