Strange 205 GTI problem

mk1_salami · 16 May 2006 at 00:12

Hi All,

I have a 205 GTi 1.9 and I'm having problems with it cutting out. I've just replaced the whole exhaust system including the manifold, and when it is running the car is sweet.

When the car gets up to temprature the engine cuts out - almost like someone has switched it off. There is no coughing or spluttering before it happens. Then after this the car will not start. I can hear the engine turning over but it won't spark into life.

I've replaced:

* HT Leads
* Distributor Cap
* Coolant temprature sensor.

Does anyone have any ideas what's going on?

Enfield · 16 May 2006 at 00:30

Fuel pump?

They are quite common to go on the GTi though I could be completely wrong.

burns · 16 May 2006 at 08:50

Presumabley it starts again once it's cooled down? If so I'd put money on it that it's the ignition amplifier module.

mk1_salami · 16 May 2006 at 12:28

Yes it does start again when its cold. An ignition amplifier module? Can you tell me more about what that does?

Dogbreath · 16 May 2006 at 12:31

mk1_salami said:
Yes it does start again when its cold. An ignition amplifier module? Can you tell me more about what that does?

It drives the ignition coil. The output from the ECU is a low voltage/current signal, the amplifier module allows this low current to control the much higher current required by the ignition coil. I think it is mounted on the nearside inner wing toward the rear of the car (at least it is on the 1.6).

You could test if it's ignition related by pulling the king lead out of the distributor, resting the end somewhere close to (but not touching) the engine block and seeing if you get a spark when you crank it (will need someone else to crank while you look).

burns · 16 May 2006 at 13:06

If it is the ignition amp you'll have to do the above whilst the engine is hot and refusing to run. If you know any one else with a 205 GTi then the easiest solution is to borrow a known good part and test it with that. They're around £25 from euro car parts or GSF if you can't find one to test it with.

mk1_salami · 16 May 2006 at 17:27

Thanks. Where exactly is the ignition coil amplifier?

Dogbreath · 16 May 2006 at 17:41

The coil amplifier should be mounted on a metal plate very near to the coil, it should look something like one of these:

Enfield · 16 May 2006 at 17:51

Isn't the HT lead connected to the ign. amp? If so just follow the lead and you shall find.

burns · 16 May 2006 at 18:22

Enfield said:
Isn't the HT lead connected to the ign. amp? If so just follow the lead and you shall find.

You could be right there. Either way it's mounted to the same ally plate as the coil so once you've found the coil finding the ignition amp is quite simple.

Enfield · 16 May 2006 at 18:24

If you like I could copy your OP to 205GTiForums and try and get an answer for you there?

You could sign up but that takes a while as you have to be approved by an admin first.

mk1_salami · 16 May 2006 at 21:03

If you could enfield that'd be appreciated. I've found the ignition amp but the wire going to it appears to be ok. I suppose I just need to find one to replace it with. !