Engine Cutting Out, Just stops then starts again

[bobtee]

This is becoming a habit now?
Just driving along or waiting at traffic lights etc!
The engine just dies on me ,no particular time interval or anything i can think of .
Twist the key and away we go.
Now i am beginning to think i should have kept the Xantia
Answers on a full bottle of beer please .
Best regards Bob

[noz]

Bob,

Add your model to your signature so that we can see which car the question pertains to.

Most likely cause is low voltage to the ignition module or ECU. Just enough volts to get it going but when braking to a stop the volts drop just enough to fall below the threshold and it gives up.

Other likelihood is the throttle pot. there should be a switch at the bottom end to tell the ecu it should be on tickover settings rathern than overrun settings.

Are there any other symptoms?

Cheers

Norrie

[Peter.N.]

If its the '95 2.1 td thats causing the problem, when did you last change the fuel filter? if you havn't, try changing it.

Peter.N.

[bobtee]

Thanks for the tips Noz and peter,
I need to find the radio code before i can disconnect the battery to safley check electrical connections i think? How robust is the electronics on this car 2.1 td ?
Are there any situations that can cause expensive problems ,like using a multimeter to test out circuits?
I think i may have found a pointer to the rattle problem ,i have been investigating today, on the r/hand engine mounting (offside) there is a gap between the upper metal disc and the rubber bushing underneath .
Does any one have a good one to compare this to for me? the gap is at least 3 to 4 mm .
With Jill inside the car and engine running the apparent rattle noise increases when the engine mount is forced over with a large lever.
N.B. i did ensure she was handcuffed to stop any button pushing etc.
I have only just got this car so dont know for sure about fuel filter but i will change it soon just to eleminate(how do you spell that )problem. eliminate ?illuminate? illimanate?aluminate oh god !
Best regards Bob.

[bobtee]

Sorry noz no other symptoms that i can remember when engine cuts out just initial panic , now i am used to the problem i just dip the clutch twist the key and engine runs as normal .
The only thing that i noticed was the speedo ,tacho and fuel and temp guages dropped to zero? no warning lights came on untill key was turned off and then on just like starting form go.
Best regards Bob

[bobtee]

Humble apologies to Noz and Norrie i am getting you two mixed up with each other .Well i am new in here soooooorrrryyyyy
Bob

[Peter.N.]

Bob

You were right the first time with "eliminate". If your speedo is dropping to zero when the engine cuts out and you are still moving, you have an intermittent electrical fault which is probably also shutting the fuel solenoid. Check the connections on the battery and also the fuses in the box at the front of the air filter as the connections can suffer from corrosion, alternativly, it could be a faulty ignition switch.

Peter.N.

[noz]

Bob,

The faulty ignition switch gets my vote. Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

noz
(psssst. norrie is my alter ego but don't tell anyone - especially the tax man !)