S2 ignition coil query

[dontuna]

Hopefully this is a simple question for the more knowledgeable on this group.

Does the ignition coil have a permanent live feed?

I have had some starting issues recently and after a full service it will now not start at all. The fuel pump charges and it turns over nicely but just doesn't fire. I've checked all the spark plugs, ignition leads, dis cap and fuses.

With my multi meter I have determined that there is no power to the coil before or after turning the key to start it.

Does this mean the coil has failed? It is the original coil on my 1989 s2.

Thanks for your time as I am now scratching my head!

[Penelope Stopit]

It should have an ignition switched live to it

The cable comes from the ignition switch (check switch and plug as they burn out at times) then possibly through a fuse (check fuses) to the rev counter, it then exits the rev counter (obviously a different cable, could be white with a yellow trace) and goes to the coil (possibly through a ballast resistor, check if fitted)

[dontuna]

Thank you for your response. I have checked under the steering wheel and found no loose connections etc but by simply moving it around it started first time so probably a loose connection. Doesn't help with the bonnet release pushing into the wiring loom everytime the bonnet is up!

Thanks again.

[Penelope Stopit]

dontuna said:

Thank you for your response. I have checked under the steering wheel and found no loose connections etc but by simply moving it around it started first time so probably a loose connection. Doesn't help with the bonnet release pushing into the wiring loom everytime the bonnet is up!

Thanks again.

Lovely

You do need to split the plug and check for burning if you haven't already done so

[phillpot]

There is a big yellow connector very close to the ignition switch, notorious for burning out

[dontuna]

Thanks

Would you be surprised if I said I didn't have one!

May have burnt out previously and been rectified.

[GreenV8S]

You could connect a lamp or buzzer between coil +ve and ground, and use a wriggle test to locate the break. Do you have an alarm fitted? The wiring to some of them is decidedly sketchy.

[dontuna]

Hi.

There is an alarm /immobiliser but it's all been deactivated and doesn't look like it has worked for years.

I have a buzzer on the multi meter so will give that a go.

Thanks

[Penelope Stopit]

Yes it looks like It's been removed, possibly done when the alarm/immobiliser was fitted in the past

Check any plugs/wiring and blue crush-on connectors that have White, Red, White with a Red trace cables, also White with a Yellow trace, Brown as well

[GreenV8S]

dontuna said:

There is an alarm /immobiliser but it's all been deactivated

Deactivated but still in the circuit? You'll want to get rid of that. Even if today's problem turns out to be something different, a redundant alarm is a problem waiting to happen.

[dontuna]

I think there are a few wiring problems waiting to happen! Thanks

[phillpot]

dontuna said:

Would you be surprised if I said I didn't have one!

Penelope Stopit said:

Yes it looks like It's been removed

You won't see it from that side, it's on the other side, short wires soldered onto back of switch then the connector?

Edited by phillpot on Saturday 31st August 20:02

[Blue 30]

Not really relevant to this post, but...
I might be wrong in saying that the above bonnet release catch isn't standard ?
But that definitely isn't the bonnet release catch I have on my S3 !
T.

[GreenV8S]

Also, do yourself a favour and move the loom somewhere where the bonnet release doesn't interfere with it.

[v8s4me]

dontuna said:

I think there are a few wiring problems waiting to happen! Thanks

It wouldn't be a TVR if there weren't. Also check where the wires go into the connector blocks. Over time the cable can fray and cause an intermittent fault until it eventually breaks off and becomes obvious.

[WhatamIgettingmyselfinto]

Blue 30 said:

Not really relevant to this post, but...
I might be wrong in saying that the above bonnet release catch isn't standard ?
But that definitely isn't the bonnet release catch I have on my S3 !
T.

Are you looking at the red handle? This is the manual boot release.

[Blue 30]

Ah, oops, I thought it was a bodged bonnet release.
But of course mine being an S3 has electric boot release.
Another lesson learned.. Thanks.
T.