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Non Starting all of a sudden! pants well and truly browned

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Old 07-25-2010, 06:35 AM
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As Topic says,



94 Mazda Rx-7 FD Efini(import)



Re-build in 2004, 14,500 miles ago



Recent service at WGT - all reported to be well.



Car was fine in the morning. Parked up, went to start later, and the following happened:



1. Dash illuminated as normal, and engine began to turn



2. Apexi FC screen illuminated, but did not change from the Apexi logo to the temp guage like it normally does after a few secs. It just stays on the logo.



3. On the turn of the key, some bleeping noises were made, then the rev counter began flicking erratically to 3000, rpm, then 4000, down again, etc, it continued to do this flicking even after I stopped turning the engine, and only stopped when ignition was turned fully off.



I am quite mechanically minded, but I do not even know where to start. Presumably the engine is telling me theres a fualt and the bleeps and rev flicking is some sort of engine diagnostic code?



If anyone can help at all, I need calming down



Cheers



Ben
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Old 07-25-2010, 09:13 AM
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First thought, check the harness connections at the PFC.
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Old 07-25-2010, 10:20 AM
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on mine the commander's plug in has a bad habit of coming loose and it makes mine have the same symptoms
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Old 07-25-2010, 11:41 AM
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could you tell me where the PFC connection is located, I tried follwing the wire back but it dissapears behind the glovebox, and I cannot find where it come out again into the engine bay ?
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Old 07-25-2010, 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by thatpoorguy
on mine the commander's plug in has a bad habit of coming loose and it makes mine have the same symptoms
That's just for the commander. It could explain his lack of display, but shouldn't affect starting. I'm not sure why his tachometer is goofy.

BTW, a solution that worked for me to keep the commander connection tight.....plug it in and run a small bead of silicone caulk around the plug and PFC body. Once it sets-up, it will keep it from coming loose but is easily removed. It also keeps moisture and dirt out.

Originally Posted by Bollocksed
could you tell me where the PFC connection is located, I tried follwing the wire back but it dissapears behind the glovebox, and I cannot find where it come out again into the engine bay ?
The PFC is located in the same place sthe stock computer was. On LHD models, it's located behind the right side kick-panel. Not familiar with RHD, but if you've followed the wires behind the glove box, I assume your's is on the left side kick-panel. Pull out the centers of the plastic retaining tabs and remove the cover. Look for a silver box marked APEX'i. That's your PFC. It will have two yellow male plugs (one larger than the other) going into it, that's your engine wiring harness. Make sure they are fully seated.

Understand that this is just an idea. Won't cost anything but time to check and eliminate though.
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Old 07-25-2010, 12:53 PM
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mine usually comes loose while driving and when it does that my idle goes all over the place and the commander goes back to the loading screen. as for non starting, my nuetral cut-out switch went bad recently. that's another free and simple test. underneath the dash you'll see what looks like a metal box with the clutch pedal arm resting against it. pull the plug out of the back and stick a paperclip in it. if it starts, that sensor is bad so you can either replace it or do like i did and splice the wires
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Old 07-25-2010, 03:16 PM
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Thats brilliant thanks guys, Il look at it this week and let you know
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Old 07-25-2010, 04:06 PM
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check your crank trigger connections on the front of the engine, they will cause it to not start and make your tach jump erratically.



No idea why the PFC display isn't working though.
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Old 07-28-2010, 12:52 PM
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http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/u...t=SEQT0304.jpg









Ok I've uncovered the PFC, In my RHD model, it was behind the left hand kick panel, not really secured there just floating about really.



Anyway, clutching at straws, but is that white connection space supposed to have nothing in it?







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Old 07-28-2010, 09:20 PM
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correct, that's for connecting a laptop. my ecu was unsecured too and that's what always worked the commander plug loose (the large black plug at the forefront of your picture) still doesn't explain why it why it won't start :/
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