Car starts and runs smoothly for a few seconds then cuts out abruptly. Will do just the same immediately afterwards. I suspect ignition electronics but ECU has been replaced with no effect. Problem just appeared after car was un-used for 4 months. Any advice or offers to fix it close to Milton Keynes Aylesbury or Oxford.

 

Does this happen only with a warm engine? Only with a cold engine?

Besides the ECU has anything else been checked or replaced?

There are many possibilties here.

From what you've said so far, and on the notion of "you gotta start somewhere", my gut feeling is the the fuel pump is not operating once the key is released from the "start" position. The engine runs for a few seconds on the fuel that was provided when the engine was being cranked but then dies from fuel starvation a few seconds later.

Ground the orange wire to the fuel pump relay. The pump should now run whenever the key is "on". Now start the engine and see if it stays running.

Post back if details needed.

Cheers
DD

PS- "ignition electronics" and "ECU" are really two different things with a bit of overlap. The ignition system will operate without the ECU. But the ECU will not operate properly without a properly functioning ignition.

 

Also changed engine-temperature-sensor. Can't check it when warm because it cuts out after seconds. I had assumed that if it was a fuel issue, it would have spluttered rather than stopping abruptly, but I will certainly follow up on the suggested fuel pump relay check.

My suspicion relating to the ignition switch electronics was because, at the same time as this problem occured, the audio amplifier stopped working.

 

Run a jumper wire from a 12v source to the "+" post of the ignition coil. See if the engine stays running.

Post back if you need help with a good 12v source in the engine bay

Cheers
DD

 

I will apply your suggestions, and let you know the result. It may be a few days before I get the opportunity. Your help is much appreciated.