Wont start.

[HowardM]

This sounds very similar to when the crank sensor went on my QPV. It would always start from cold but after being left for say an hour or two would sometimes refuse to start (cranking normally). It never misfired or gave a CEL. It gradually got worse (i.e. occurred more often) over several months. I finally diagnosed it by plugging a code reader in whilst it wouldn't start (standard OBD2 bluetooth widget). After cranking but failing to start it showed a pending P0335 code (crank sensor). Also the rpm graph showed 0 rpm whilst cranking (used Torque (lite) on my mobile). Final straw was pulling into Baldock services on a particularly hot day it cut out. Ended up pushing it into the nearest space: electric car charging bay! Oh the irony!
After changing the crank sensor it's been absolutely fine every since.

 

[conaero]

When a crank sensor goes, it does affect warm starting. However, I have never know of one causing the car to cut out but as they are so cheap, its worth doing. From memory it was the same sensor off another Italian car, probably an Alfa.

 

[Thatch]

Not a mechanic myself, but I like the 'Interference at Level Crossing' theory myself.

So much more 'romantic'.

The things you have to look out for when owning a Maserati!

 

[Jonathan]

When a crank sensor goes, it does affect warm starting. However, I have never know of one causing the car to cut out but as they are so cheap, its worth doing. From memory it was the same sensor off another Italian car, probably an Alfa.

Agreed I think its got to be worth doing....I just had a look at the access and its very tight (and Im not a big person), which is annoying, as replacing the sensor itself looks very easy....
Any tips on how to make access easier?

 

[HowardM]

You'll probably need to remove the plunum. Have a look at this thread:
https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/4200-oil-pressure-sender-removal.7556/

 

[HowardM]

Forgot to say, in the 19th picture you can see the crank sensor under the oil pressure sender.

 

[Jonathan]

Thanks for that....looks way to involved for me to attempt.

 

[Jonathan]

Just been out the petrol station and put in a load of fuel....Started and drove fine both going and coming back (only a mile or two but enough to get the engine warm).

I guess time will tell if this really was a bizzare one-off or if something really is wrong but very intermittent.

Need few (minor) things sorted soon anyway, so will get a new Crank Sensor as part of that.

 

[Gazcw]

The local Waitrose car park used to affect the X5 we had if parked under the mobile phone mast they have located there. Mrs drove in, locked up but on her return could not get back in. Opened with the key but alarm and immobiliser kicked in. Had to release from park to neutral and pull it down the carpark. It started locked/unlocked and started straight away when further down. I only knew about this type of issue from tv recently before it happened.

 

[Jonathan]

Well....the mystery is now solved......

I had to drive to Gatwick this morning and was feeling slightly nervous about it. The car has been fine for a few days but I hadn't really got to the bottom of what the problem had been.

i was most of the way there and starting to feel more comfortable with things when it all went horribly wrong......Anyway long story short it cut out (on a motorway exit ramp...deep joy). and this time there was no doubt as to the cause....lots of dashboard lights...and quick read of the ODB codes showing a number of faults ALL relating to the Crank Sensor (what a surprise!)

I'm actually relieved as now I know what the issue is and it can be sorted. Car is now in the hands of SMDG Performance who will put things right....

So the "theory" about the level crossing interference was utter tosh....the car re-started purely because it had been switched off for a good while (also started up fine with no errors when we got to SMDG)

Now its in the garage I'll get a few other things sorted as well....then I can go back to enjoying it.

 

[TimR]

Good old Maser electrics... at least you know where you are with them...!?!

If you're rescue service is anything like mine, theyll baulk at having to lift the car twice for same issue...!

 

[conaero]

Well, good news in the end. I didn't believe that interference issue really, just imaging cars breaking down at a level crossing.

 

[Jonathan]

Good old Maser electrics... at least you know where you are with them...!?!

If you're rescue service is anything like mine, theyll baulk at having to lift the car twice for same issue...!

They did....despite their guy swearing blind he'd "fixed" the issue by towing me away from the crossing....I had to cough up £100 to be recovered.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Well....the mystery is now solved......

'Good' news. At least you know what to get fixed, and also that you don't have to avoid level crossings.

 

[Jonathan]

Over a month later and I thought it worth just closing this tale off.....

Had a new crank sensor fitted and car has been sweet ever since. Also got a few other bits sorted (new drivers side window mech, front ARB bushes replaced, had clutch and brakes looked at (clutch is 70% worn so a job for next year), new handbrake shoes as they were shot).

Some fairly chunky cash spent but the car is now up to a fairly good standard and I know exactly whats been done and what needs doing in the near future.

I can also highly recommend Scuderia Scaglieti an indie in Chiswick....absolutely first class service.

 

[FIFTY]

I just read this from the start, sounds like a bit of an ordeal... I guess the moral of the story is to replace the crank case sensor sooner rather than later when the CEL proudly lights up

If it's a plenum off job I would probably do it myself - only fearing the potential of dropping a washer into the intake - otherwise it's quite straight forwards bolt off/bolt on procedure

 

[MaserCoupe]

I can also highly recommend Scuderia Scaglieti an indie in Chiswick....absolutely first class service.[/QUOTE].

I paid them a visit about a year ago and they were doing some quite amazing work on a 4200 that I'd never seen before. Where the chrome badges sit in the flanks/buttress, they fitted neon backlights. The silhouette of the trident badge were cut in the flanks and from the inside of the car they had fitted a backlight. In the dark with the headlights on they looked stunning. The car looked fabulous.

 

[Jonathan]

I just read this from the start, sounds like a bit of an ordeal... I guess the moral of the story is to replace the crank case sensor sooner rather than later when the CEL proudly lights up

If it's a plenum off job I would probably do it myself - only fearing the potential of dropping a washer into the intake - otherwise it's quite straight forwards bolt off/bolt on procedure

Considered this but the access is a right pig.