Expert: Josh Fields - 12/30/2005

Question
since the cold weather( south England ), I've been unable to start my car as the Check Control error appears!! why is this? - the car has a charged batt. and a full tank of petrol but will not start - but will turn over until the batt. runs flat !  HELP

Answer
Mark,
 Ok this is what I understand about your problem.  You have a fully charged battery, and the engine will turn over, but it wont start?

 If this is the case then you need to find out if you are getting spark and fuel.  Remove one of the coils from the spark plug and put a new spark plug in it.  let it rest on the engine and have someone turn the engine over.  If you see the spark plug "sparking" then you have ignition.  Now you need to check if you have fuel.  Take the fuel line loose and insert it into a bottle.  have someone try to start the engine and fuel "should" come out of this hose.  Becareful, it is usually under pressure, so make sure you have it into the bottle before you turn the key on.  If you have no fuel, then your fuel pump is not working.
 I hope this helps,
 Josh