308 gtsi QV won't start

Make sure your battery is fully charged, these cars will not start with a weak battery. The clicking is probably one of the relays and may or may not be related to the non-starting problem. It's highly unlikely both coils failed at the same time.

 

I had similar symptoms (85 Mondial). In my case it turned out to be a bad battery. Replacing the battery was an interesting exercise in itself.

 

Nahhh its the fuel pump relay. Pull it and clean the contacts.

 

Agreed.. Check the battery first. You'd be surprised how much difference a fully charged battery makes.

 

The only time my car didn't start was when a positive battery terminal wasn't tight. Battery was fully charged and terminal on post but just tightening the terminal made it work. Paid $150 to have it towed to the Ferrari guy who opened the hood and tightened the terminal then turned the key as the car started right up.

Mechanic new exactly what it was from the way it turned over he said.

 

The fuel pump relay is a Bosch square relay, if I recall correctly on the left side of the fuse block. I would also check the fuse as well. My car did exactly what you described and I pulled the relay and fuse occasionally to make sure the contacts were still clean. Since I put the Birdman fuse blocks in, I've not had any more problems at all.

 

How could it be the battery if the motor turns over or cranking? It has to be fuel related since you're getting sparks. If you can spray starting fluid or carb cleanerr into the air intake, I bet your motor will start.

Or you can pull that blue connector near the fuel distributor to see if the fuel pump will run when the key is is the "on" position As it should.

 

Mike:

He indicated that it had what appeared to be a weak spark which told me it was probably battery related (don't ask how I knew). Apparently even though there is sufficient power to turn the starter (gearing ration, compression, etc.), it requires a full charge to provide sufficient voltage to the coils, which in turn applify the charge for a sufficient spark. Wen a spark tester is attached to any of the leads, you should get a bright blue spark, otherwise the car may not start. After having thaqt problem many times before, I always start w/ the battery. These cars also generally have a low voltage draw from various places in the electrical system, which often leads to a low battery even after sitting for a week or so.

 

Same thing with my loose cable.

The car turned right over just as always. When the mechanic opened the front bonnet to turn the cable tighter i rolled my eyes and when it started right up after i was shocked.