Car wont start, red gearbox light.

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v8chimp

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I am currently stranded in somerset

Was turning around, than the car wouldn't go into first.

Now the red gearbox light is flashing and thrs fuel pump doesn't prime

Is it F1 pump related? I have checked the F1 relay contacts and it looks normal
 
Parisien

Parisien

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Sorry to hear of your trouble ....could be a blown relay, or low fluid so the pump tried to prime and action the pump but can't, and then even burnt itself out trying or clutch given up.


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v8chimp

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Managed to get hold of my specialist and he suggested tapping the pump with a hammer with the ignition on.

Cue the gearbox light vanishing and I was on my way, 10 minutes later it did the same, but another tap and it got me home. (Not quite as nice an experience I make out, as wait for breakdown twice e.t.c)

However it is home and I know I need a new pump, I think I read it is the Alfa one I need (my specialist suggested the alfa one has 2 pipes, the maserati one 3) but I will check.

Regards

Matt
 
Parisien

Parisien

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Matt...lots on sale on ebay.....but they do not come with the little electronics box attached ( Maserati MD sourced do have box), just the plain pump...so make sure diagnosis is just the pump....also clarify which pump is being fitted, newer model which needs different relay, or older cheaper one...etc...just to be safe


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v8chimp

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Parisien said:
Matt...lots on sale on ebay.....but they do not come with the little electronics box attached ( Maserati MD sourced do have box), just the plain pump...so make sure diagnosis is just the pump....also clarify which pump is being fitted, newer model which needs different relay, or older cheaper one...etc...just to be safe


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Click to expand...

Thanks Parisien, it looks like my car would run the old pump as it is 2003 rather than 2005+. I will need to read up on the benefits of the other as the old one seems to be 51736315.

Looks like £230 ish delivered plus labour and a replacement relay which isnt is that bad.
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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I really *REALLY* do not believe that the new pump needs a different relay. Seriously, can we just apply some logic? It's a *SWITCH*

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Parisien

Parisien

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The new version used an up-rated relay.......am not sure its backwards compatible

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v8chimp

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CatmanV2 said:
I really *REALLY* do not believe that the new pump needs a different relay. Seriously, can we just apply some logic? It's a *SWITCH*

C
Click to expand...

I will probably get a new relay regardless of whether its the same or upgrade, but in this case it just seems to be a sticking pump rather than anything more sinister.

Some people have mentioned refurb pumps but given brand new Alfa units are £230 ish delivered, I won't risk it! Just want her back up and running.
 
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CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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OK. If it uses an uprated relay, in any sensible meaning of the phrase, all that will happen is a lower rated relay will burn out. Eventually
The problem with these things seems to be there is no protection from the back EMF generated when switching an inductive load (like the pump) which may cause arcing to the contact points. Two things may happen there: 1) The contacts erode to the point they no longer can switch the pump on, and you get no pressure, so go nowhere. 2) The contacts weld shut. The pump runs continuously, and eventually burns out.
Either *might* happen with a 'lower rated' relay, but frankly, since the issue is *probably* the back EMF, I think it's extraordinarily unlikely to have any greater, or lesser probability. If you are suffering from issue 2, you should *hear* it. My F1 pump comes on when I open the door, and has gone off pretty much before I'm even comfortable. If I hear not not turning off, then I'll start worrying. I very much doubt it's going to burn the pump out in one drive, though.

However, it's not my car, so not my call, I'm just trying look at it sensibly ;)

C
 
K

kcrasta9505

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I have the same issue now with my 02 spyder. Just replaced the relay and F1 pump motor. The pump is now running when car is keyed on. But the gear indicator still registers 1st gear and car still will not start
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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kcrasta9505 said:
I have the same issue now with my 02 spyder. Just replaced the relay and F1 pump motor. The pump is now running when car is keyed on. But the gear indicator still registers 1st gear and car still will not start
Click to expand...

Welcome. When the car is not started, can you change gear at all, or is there a gearbox error light as well?
If you can select gears, and no errors, check the brake light switch.

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