Wont start.

[CatmanV2]

What 'crossing signal'?

More likely to be a loose connection in the coil around the ignition key. But with no warning lights, it seems unlikely it's the immobiliser to me. (You'd expect to get the CODE light on the dash AFAIK that also won't make a running engine stop since I believe it's only checked when PTS is being checked, not as a constant process.

I'm with the crank sensor.

C

 

[Jonathan]

nope. Nothing....It doesn't make sense but it started working as soon as we were clear of the area. Unless of course, its something else (loose connection for example) and by coincidence the act of putting it on a truck was enough to sort that out. The first guy who looked at the car did check the crank sensor wiring etc...and all was found to be ok with that. The tow truck guy swore he'd seen the same issue many times.

 

[Jonathan]

What 'crossing signal'?

More likely to be a loose connection in the coil around the ignition key. But with no warning lights, it seems unlikely it's the immobiliser to me. (You'd expect to get the CODE light on the dash AFAIK that also won't make a running engine stop since I believe it's only checked when PTS is being checked, not as a constant process.

I'm with the crank sensor.

C

The signal that level crossings/trains emit apparently....If the crank sensor had totally failed, how could it be ok now?

 

[D Walker]

How bizarre...

 

[Jonathan]

Would a failed crank sensor not give a CEL/ODB Code? I do get a Po501 from time to time (crank sensor signal out of range) but it hasnt effected the engine at all.(to date at least).
I'm obviously concerned that this may happen again.....

 

[allandwf]

Could still be the crank sensor. Mine would be OK if left 20mins and started, then failed again when it heated back up, and so it went on.

 

[Jonathan]

I'll give it a go tomorrow and take it from there....will leave it to idle for a good while and see if I get any issues for starters.

 

[TimR]

Maserati 4200 electrics...!
Nothing to see here ...

 

[Jonathan]

Can someone tell me the part number for a Crank Sensor? - (2002 4200 Coupe) - I'm struggling to find a compatible one anywhere.

 

[Jonathan]

Think I have it now....part number 182194

 

[Jonathan]

Could still be the crank sensor. Mine would be OK if left 20mins and started, then failed again when it heated back up, and so it went on.

I was stopped for a good two hours in total...and kept trying to start for much of that...so the car wasn't hot and still not starting...I'm thinking of changing the sensor anyway just to eliminate it..Going to assess tomorrow if I think I can do this myself...access being the main issue of course .

 

[CatmanV2]

The signal that level crossings/trains emit apparently....If the crank sensor had totally failed, how could it be ok now?

Wow. They do have some signalling stuff around to detect obstructions. Fascinating.

Having said that crank sensors tend to play up when hot. Let them cool and as Allan says, off you go.

But I reserve judgment having just read what may be flooding the ether at a level crossing

C

 

[Jonathan]

Yep...it's definitely annoyingly inconlusive...only time will tell if I have the same issue when not near a potential source of interference...Car has been much hotter than it was today with no issues . I'd only driven
A few miles ..but there is always a first time for everything of course. I shall report back...Just wish I didn't need to drive to Gatwick early Thurs am!

 

[Navcorr]

But I reserve judgment having just read what may be flooding the ether at a level crossing
C

Not just at level crossings. This caused a sardonic smile last month:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-45435683

 

[tan55555]

I could be way off, but I wonder if the restarting was triggered by tipping the car when loading it for recovery. If it was low fuel causing the problem, could have recovered by being at a different angle?

 

[conaero]

Did you lock or unlock the car at any point?

It maybe that whatever is loose was reconnected with the tilting motion of the car or the fuel sloshing around in the tank when it was loaded.

 

[Jonathan]

Did you lock or unlock the car at any point?

It maybe that whatever is loose was reconnected with the tilting motion of the car or the fuel sloshing around in the tank when it was loaded.

Yes I did...After doing the battery reset..
I'll put some fuel in today also and see how we get on..

 

[conaero]

I would go back to the same place and see if you can replicate the issue.

 

[Jonathan]

I would go back to the same place and see if you can replicate the issue.

Whilst I follow your logic...I would rather not risk getting stuck at a busy level crossing in a town centre...with the car now and it's running sweet as...Going to let it warm up then go for a tentative drive

 

[Jonathan]

OK..just warmed up the car for 20 mins...(started first time) had a very short drive around the car park...sat at idle for a bit longer...then gave it plently of revs..All appears to be well..No errors, no misfiring, revs through the full range. So I don't think the crank shaft sensor is failing when hot...

Will go and fill her up later as could still have been a fuel issue...Reserve light is on and I was parked on a slope when she cut out yesterday.