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MG MGF Technical - Heeellllllllllppppppppp !!!!

Hi everyone, not sure if anyone remembers the starting problem I'm having with my VVC.
I recently purchased one second hand with very low mileage and full service history from one owner. Since purchasing three weeks ago I'm experiencing intermittent starting problems when the car is warm and running at normal temperature. It's basically turning over but doesnt start. Eventually when the engine cools down we have success. The dealer has checked all plugs, leads etc and the car was only serviced in February. The dealer suggests that it could be the temp sensor but thinks if not then I'll need a new ECU (nothing short of £400 !!) Their saying it'll have to be a case of trial and error by fitting parts that could be causing the problem. Jason suggested the electrical coil on the distributor cap and they are also looking into this.

Can anyone else kindly shed any light on what the problem might be ?? Thanks !
T Lynch

Yes true..

What I did was.

1) Change HT leads to a magnacore. silicon ones
2) Change spark plugs
3) Change the temp sensor.

Haven't had a single hick up for last 15 months
Hanah Kim

I had starting problems with my VVC last year, cured by a replacement ECU. Note that at the time the Rover dealers offered me either a brand new ECU or a Rover reconditioned one at about a third of the price. Not sure if both are still available from Rover, but worth getting your dealer to check, might save some money!
Jason H
Jason H

Thanks guys, both interesting replies which is exactly what the dealer said is best to do in that order: change temp sensor first and then if the problem persists then change the ECU. I'll have a word with them.

Cheers for your help !! Tony
T Lynch

Jason, as a matter of interest how much did they offer a reconditioned one to you for and which one did you decide to go for in the end ??

Tony
T Lynch

T Lynch,

If the temp sensor is faulty, it should show on the TESTBOOK, a computer system that Rover garages have to check the car.

Temp sensor should be only about 15 quids, so replacing the HT leads + spark plugs would cost a lot less than changing the ECU. Consider small things first as you haven't tried those cheaper options yet.

Good luck T Lynch, hopefully nothing to do with ECU.

Regards,
Hanah
Hanah Kim

out of interest has anyone replaced their ECU with an aftermarket version (Emerald seems like the popular choice) instead of replaceing the MG item?

Will
Will Munns

Hanah Kim,

They havent been able to say for certain if it is the temp sensor as everytime I've taken it in the car's working fine and the diagnostics machine can only tell a problem when it occurs. As it's an intermittent problem they seem to be suggesting to replace parts first on a trial and error basis to see if this cures the problem.

They checked the HT leads etc last week and the plugs were only changed in Feb. and they reckon they are fine but I'll get them replaced first before the ECU.

As you said, a hell of a lot cheaper. Would'nt mind I've only had the car three weeks as well !! Still not changed my mind about the car though. It's great !

T Lynch

Tony,
I went for the Rover reconditioned unit, from memory it cost just over £200, which I think is quite reasonable with a years warranty. Interestingly it came in a sealed Rover bag, and the casing screws were totally unmarked - so must have been quite a recon job!
I looked into after market ECUs at the time, but then none were available for the VVC, only for the mpi - maybe things have changed now.
Jason H
Jason H

Tony,
Forgot to say that the "recon" unit was on an exchange basis, whereas the "new" unit was an outright purchase.
Jason H
Jason H

Cheers Jason, I'll ask about that if it turns out that's the problem. Hopefully they maybe can still get recon. ones.

Though hope it is just the temp sensor !! Well at least my wallet hopes so anyway !!

Since I got the car 3 weeks ago it's spent 3
days on and off at the dealer. Just a good thing it's only at the bottom of the road from work !

Cheers again,

Tony
T Lynch

Good luck T Lynch! (sorry keep typing Lunch damn..) LOL

Hopefully it's a cheap job!

Hanah Kim

Hanah, just had a call from the dealer to say he's almost sure it's only the sensor (hope he's right) so it's getting fitted in the next few days. Fingers crossed for trouble free motoring from then on !!

Thanks to everyone again for their help and comments !! Much appreciated !!

Tony

Being a recent MGF owner may I say I think it's brilliant that our fellow MGF drivers can help each other out. Something you dont see often which is good !!
T Lynch

This thread was discussed between 06/08/2002 and 07/08/2002

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