Engine starts then stops

[Jim H]

02 K series bog standard Elise 28K on the clock.
Started it from cold this evening and it stopped within 30 seconds, restared then stopped engine warning light on (cleared when running). Left it a minute or so and it started, reved it a little bit no misfires or anything like that, then stopped. Left it again a little while, started then stopped.I've not tried it again.

Last week when I was out in it (running) I was momentarily aware of a lack of power (only for a few seconds) the revs dropped right off even though my foot was on the accelerator - it cleared itself but left me wondering??

Forgive my ignorance (I don't know what it's called) the item in the engine bay you usually hear on start up (makes a clacky sort of noise) was making a different sort of noise - like it was failing??

Sorry to be a bit vague but it's never really let me down before in 9 years of ownership
Anything basic I can check? I'm miles away from anyone with diagnotic equipment.

[Jim H]

Not sure about the thing that makes the clacky clicking sound - christ I sound bloody amateur! It's making the same noise (original) now when turning on ignition.

Tried to start it again before - nothing - not even a splutter.

Imoboliser/alarm had a bit of a hissy fit and left a constant whining noise leaving headlights on. I disconnected battery and have put on charge.

I've just done a search on here (last 20-odd pages) can I rule out fuel pump issues / immoboliser on an S2? compared to an S1.

I'm mindfull of the fact that all the fuel stations round here were running on empty lately, before my problems this evening i'd just put some fuel in!?

Just a sure - fire basic check list would help me right now.

Thanks in advance - have a good weekend.

[Stephanie Plum]

Post the problem over on seloc.org in the technical forum - you'll get a quicker response over there. Membership is free - you just need to create an ID :up

[Defcon5]

Some immobilisors let the car run for a few secs before shutting it off.

Is the noise at startup before you actually start then engine? Fuel pump priming?

[Jim H]

Thanks Steph, I'm a member on seloc and had a bit of a search before, but did not post the problem. ( I was looking at fuel related issues)

Thanks defcon5 I was not aware of that isssue with immobolisers.?

I'm going to call the guys who service it tomorrow and ask them also.

It's Fuel or Electrical related, the trick is to keep a steady head and avoid blind alleys

[Jim H]

Tried it again and it wont fire.

I'm pretty sure the fuel pump is not priming, no whiring noise when cranking.

Can anyone tell me where the fuel pump is located on an s2 k series so I can get a multimeter on it.

[LBird]

Jim, before you go getting all complicated, check the fuse. I had an intermittent problem for a long, long time which after lengthy, costly, complicated, ineffectual and (ultimately) unnecessary repairs, turned out to be due to a corroded fuse. Mine was far from obvious (honestly!) so don't just give it a cursory glance - take it out and put a new one in!!

I really, really hope your problem turns out to be this simple.