P38 Turning over but not starting (help!)

Hi Guys (N Gals),
I have a 1996 P38 2.5 DSE which wont start - sounds simple on the surface but..... I drove the car up the drive a couple of months ago and switched off as normal, the alarm went off about 1am and I just got up, checked the car, reset the alarm and went back to bed. The next morning, jumped in the car next morning and she would not start, turning over but no bang! The message centre said 'ingition tamper' but has since disappeared. She was towed to my local RR dealer and they diagnosed a faulty injector pump and quoted £1000.00 to replace the pump. Not happy with the diag, I had her towed back home and spoke to our local bosch diesel specialist. I sent the pump to them for diagnosis, they cheked the pump and said that apart form some water damage it was basically ok - they rebuilt the pump for me anyway whilst they had it. On refitting the pump, got all excited about getting her back on the road - still not starting. Fuel is being sent to the pump from the tank pump (flooding out of the supply pipe to the dist pump) I have put the EKA code in and nothing is showing on the message centre. I have checked the wiring and found a couple of 'green & furry' connectors in the front kick wells, but have removed them via wire cutters and soldering iron. I am now looking at the more expensive options - replace the fusebox, engine ecu or BEcM. If you have had the same problem or can offer some advice - FOR GODS SAKE HELP (PLEASE) Cheers, Ian.

You really need to get the vehicle to a specialist (or a specialist to the vehicle) with an Autologic or Rovacom system, they will be able to diagnose the fault. If it was the petrol version I would say it sounds like the classic symptom of the engine ECU loosing the security mobilisation code with the BeCM. However I still have yet to hear of a diesel vehicle having this problem, I assume it can occur though.

When you turn the ignition on to the second stage does the injector light show??

I take it you have checked all leak off pipes and made sure the glow plugs are fully working??

-Wills

Had exactly the same problem before and have just got it again, basically the alarm was playing up and going off in the night causing the battery to drain, and it looses the security code to the engine ECU. You should not be charged much to fix this but it can be expensive to have the vehicle recovered. I have decided to buy the rovacom system at £1000 to save me money in the future!! But im sure thats all your problem is.

Dear Stephen,
Many thanks for that, I have been thinking along the same lines but havn't had the confidence to make a major purchase such as you (very brave). I thought my local RR dealer had all the latest kit, but having spoken to the workshop manager, even he is baffled. I'm going to have her recovered to an independant dealer in the hope thatthey maybe able to offer some more insight. If it helps, the engine is turning over, but, after refitting the injector pump I still can't get any diesel through the pump (injector pipes removed to prime the pump). I am getting fed up sleeping in the RR and people saying 'I told you so'. Cheers' Ian.

It is not unknown for the BECM to become corrupt but usually this will display Engine Immobilised fault. Don't reach for the Valium just yet-see if you can get an independant to check it out. Most will come to you to check it.

Hi there, thanks for that - Valium does sound like a good idea (preferably whilst watching the damn thing burn)! Seriously though, I think I will have to call in the 'techies' though. Very embarrising when I trained as an auto electrician, but without the diag equipment, I havn't got much choice. Cheers, Ian.

Know how you feel, I was bought up with relays etc. that you could see it clicking on/off and stick a meter on them to check. Then along came PLC's, CNC's and roll around PC's to check and program them. I feel like a dinasaur sometimes. Modern designated diagnostics are a doddle though if you have the right kit-finding the problem is easy, fixing it is different!!

Hi Ian. I had a similar problem with my 2.5 dt. I bought it as a non runner and was told by the bloke selling it that there was a problem with the becm. I sent the engine ecu, becm and key fob off to Mark at mtec. He checked them over, unlocked and sent them back to me for £100. There was nothing wrong them and i finally traced to fault to the starter motor drawing all the current away from the becm. Marks number is 07917872421. He was very helpfull and i wouldnt hesitate to use him again.
Hope this is of help. Luke
Ps I take it you have checked the stop solonoid is ok ?

Hi All, just a quick note to say thanks for all the help and advice. I have just collected Rangie from the 'Indies' who have re-synchronised the BeCM to the engine ECU. To reset the system and bleed the diesel system only cost £137.00 inc VAT. Merry Christmas to all!

Lot cheaper than a new BECM at £700+.
These BECM's do occaisionally hang up or become corrupt but don't get paranoid over it. In rare cases they will have to be replaced but generally can be reprogrammed if they are in the unlocked state.

If you do need em fettling or replacing try these guys http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/redhands-font-all-knowledge-49188.html

Result
Hats off to your RR Dealers who offered to compound your problems with an extra £1000 bill,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Tossers