1980 Fiat 2000 Starts but won't Run

[NGK]

I've replace the ignition coil, spark plugs and spark plug cords, the distributor rotor and cap, along with the ICM and I'm getting spark now but my fuel injector aren't spraying it will start on the cold start injector just fine but it dies a few seconds later or immediately after I put the gas I replaced the relays and the oxygen sensors and all seem good my fuse panel is unable to hold the second to last (heading left to right) fuse I don't know if that has something to do with it, also both prongs on the fuel injectors are positive they're not getting a negative charge I've checked my grounds but I don't know if I've covered them all. I also read that the computer might be bad my fuel pump stays on and doesn't turn off till I turn of the key I know there's fuel in the line after I replaced the relay though it it still said it was bad even though I know its not. Im down to two things I think either there's a short in the wiring somewhere or my ECU is bad I just don't want to put money into something that might not work. Any suggestion this is getting really frustrating? I can put up photos if needed.

[tima01864]

One more thing to check the sensor on the coolant tee, I think you can jump the connector. I now if that is not functional idle will be rough or not at all.Also make sure the flap on the AFM is not sticking, as that is what is suppose to actuate the Fuel pump.

[bobplyler]

Are you sure it's a 79? The 79 came with a carb.

[NGK]

Its a 11/79 so I guess you could consider it an 80

[NGK]

Has anyone ever had their FI Computer go out if so how did your car act. I'm down to the only thing left could be the computer but I'd hate to spend the money on it just to find it wasn't the problem.

[SeattleSpider]

I just posted this in the "Engine and Tuning" Section for "My79Spider" and the same response seems appropriate here:

A 1979 . . . this should not be a fuel injected car. If it IS, I have had this same problem. Mine would idle just fine at 1,000 rpm. It would continue to run fine until I increased the rpm. When it got to 2,000 rpm, it would cut out and drop back to 1,000 rpm, BUT continue to run fine at that level. I could not figure it out. I took it to a local Fiat mechanic (yes, they still exist in some locations), and they fussed around with it for a few hours. He said it was the connections in the wiring in the fuel injection system. I still do not quite trust it and have not driven it yet this year. What they told me is that if I have any problem in the future, just disconnect the sensor in the front of the engine, right in the center up high (as I recall it connects right into the "T" in the water/cooling system - i.e. some kind of heat sensor?). I know that is a bad description but I do not have an engine, or diagram, in front of me, so I cannot explain it better right now.

Then again, you probably do not have a fuel injected car, so this probably did not help at all. If you do and want a better description, let me know.

_______
Someone else seems to have already posted something about this sensor in the "T" in the water/cooling system and gave it the correct name. Hope this helps (oh, as you can tell, I am not really a mechanic either).

[RRoller123]

These cars, once warmed up, won't run with the temp sensor at the T disconnected. It tells the ECU what the temp of the coolant is, and it makes adjustments accordingly.

[SeattleSpider]

RRoller,
That's bad news as I was counting on that solution if I experienced this issue again on the road. Although my mechanic swears it is fix . . . I am still nervous about it. I plan to take it out for the first time on Monday (playing hooky), that way if it cuts out again I can have it towed to my mechanic (thank you Hagerty Insurance).

By the way, there is a similar conversation going on right now on "Engine and Tuning" under the heading: 79 spider 124 starts and idles, press gas pedal stalls - Help. Oddly, it appears there were a few Fuel Injected 124s in 79 as well (although we still have not figured out if it is FI or carbed).

Will be nice to sort this out.

[NGK]

The car is fuel injected its the 1980 model.

[RRoller123]

CA started the FI cars in 79, to meet their state emissions requirements that were tighter than the rest of the country, then the rest of the country went FI along with them in '80, so there are some '79s that are FI.