Hi,

323 SE Executtive Registered 1 August 1990, 1598cc 16valve SOHC Carburetor, 5 speed manual

I have an intermittent problem which usually appears after driving a short distance, say 2 miles or 5-10 minutes then stopping the engine. When I turn ignition on again the "Rear" warning light (which is supposed to indicate failed stop light) is on. Engine will not start and there is no spark and no fuel (dry plugs). Car needs to be left for 20 mins to 1 hour when it will then start OK.

Car is UK spec. Engine is a 1598 Carburetor (so no injectors), no cat either.

Disconnecting battery for 5 minutes or so makes no difference, fault is still there. No fuses are blown. Nothing electrical in engine bay seems overheated.

"Rear" warning light is now on at evry switch on of ignition, goes out when engine starts. All rear lights including fogs are working.

Does anyone have any ideas where the fault might be, which component may be failing?


Thanks,

Peter

That light is probably supposed to light when you switch the ignition on, as do the other warning lights (bulb check). Probably has nothing to do with the other problem. Does this car have an electric fuel pump? Is any fuel actually being delivered when you are cranking the engine? You will need to know some of these things to troubleshoot this problem.

I'm having the same problem with an 89 626. No spark and no fuel, I double checked. I jumpered between the battery and the coil, with a small spray of engine starter it runs. No voltage at the coil and the injectors aren't firing. I replaced the EGI and the ignitor, I'm at a loss. I don't have a full wiring schematic to do a detailed wiring trace.

Did anyone figure this out?

Pull the steering column cover and check the ignition switch. The electrical portion of the switch was prone to failure.