Random breakdown

[Terrence79]

Had a worrying moment today when after about 15 miles it stuttered then stopped, would start again but stutter to a stop soon after. After about 20 minutes it started and never stopped again? It doesn't get very much use due to where I have to keep it so maybe just lack of use?! The only real point that might have cause it was that I had my mtb in the passenger seat which managed to dislodge the electrical panel above the passenger footwell so the electrics ended up on the floor!! It started riunning again before I noticed this so I don't think this had any real effect on the problem. Question is what should I Be looking for to diagnose the fault? Had half a tank of fuel, good oil pressure etc

Tom

[wizzer]

Hi you say the car hasn't been used much. If you have modern E5 ethanoyl unleaded fuel standing in the tank it will take on a lot of mosture which the injection system does not like one bit. Modern fuel will only last about a month in the tank unless you treat it. I use Lucas Oils Ethanoyl stabaliser, £9 a bottle which will treat 80gals. You can get it from Amazon! I wouldn't mind betting stale fuel is your problem.

[Terrence79]

Happened again today, started again after 5 minutes but struggled to accelerate properly for the next couple of miles until I reached my destination. 2 hours latter driving home no problem at all!!!

[GreenV8S]

It's quite common for electrics and electronics to suffer heat related failures after 15-20 minutes of running. If it was a total cut I'd look for a tired relay. For hesitation and poor running, perhaps you're looking at a heat related ignition failure. You can often see this affect the rev counter, so if you see that playing up at the same time it supports the idea of an ignition fault. But ignition faults don't always affect the rev counter, so if the rev counter looks fine don't rule out the idea of an ignitin fault.