Help! Car won't start

[pshanks76]

I've had this car (2003 S2 135r) less than a week and this morning the engine management light came on (solid, not flashing) on the way to work. It seemed to still be running totally fine so took it easy and continued the few miles to work. As I was reversing it stalled (softly) and won't start now. The engine turns over but just conks out straight away. I had an issue on Friday where it stalled and didn't want to restart, but spoke to the previous owner and he said it was the (uprated) cams, and just to pulse the throttle slightly to get more fuel in. That worked, but not working this time. I video'd me attempting to start the car so you can hear what's going on - may need headphones to hear it properly!:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pshanks/20648433326/

So, anyone know what it might be? How do I get error codes for the eng. mgt. light on? Anyone recommend any garages for Lotus' in Aberdeen

P.S. It always seems to start perfectly from cold.

[mxvx]

Can't really help it john at JD motors in insch has been pretty good for me

[pshanks76]

Went back down to the carpark to see if, once it cooled a bit, it would start - it did, first time. BUT, now seems to be a ticking coming from the engine:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pshanks/20675452405/

Second half of video is better for hearing it.

Arrrrrggghhhh!

[Dominic]

Went back down to the carpark to see if, once it cooled a bit, it would start - it did, first time. BUT, now seems to be a ticking coming from the engine:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pshanks/20675452405/

Second half of video is better for hearing it.

Arrrrrggghhhh!

I am far from expert, but that sounds a bit tappety to me (from what I can hear in the vid). Would be worth checking your oil level IMHO

[pshanks76]

Yeah, one of the first things I did - totally fine. Called the AA and the car started fine with no ticks this time - he did a fault reading and it's a faulty camshaft sensor so it's in the garage now to get it replaced. Hopefully that will be it!

[robin]

The symptoms of non-start when hot and MIL on during running are exact match for camshaft position sensor failure - so I suspect your AA man has got that one spot on.

The tappets are often noisy and then quieten again - I wouldn't worry about it - some engine flushes relieve the noise for a while, but usually comes back - especially after a hard thrashing.

Cheers,
Robin

[2F45T4U]

Im pretty sure that when the cam sensor fails, the injectors go from sequential to batch as they can no longer sync with the inlet cam so this can make the ticking much louder as all injectors are firing together.

Sounds like an easy fix though!

[pshanks76]

New sensor arrives tomorrow so fingers crossed she'll be back on the road soon!