Ask an expert

Hi,
I have a 1992 Peugeot 309 that bought for my son to learn in.
Car has been great, but on two recent occasions has displayed following problem. Car will be driving normally but engine will suddenly die and loose all power. Trying to bump start it doesn't fire the engine, but I have found that turning off the engine and restarting it with the key does. Sometimes the car will restart quickly - before you come to a halt - sometimes not long afterwards. Car then drives normally but looses power again within 100 metres.
When last had this problem thought it might be a fuel blockage. I blew through the in-line petrol filter and put some petrol in the tank, which was low, and this cured the problem.
Car has been fine for past few weeks, but displayed issue again today — we have a half tank of petrol today, so guessing not debris in the tank.
Any advice appreciated. Ta.

Hi there,
It may be a fuel pump related fault, where the pump stops working and starts up again when the key is cycled. Or it could be an electrical fault creating a similar scenario. It may be a little tricky, but you will need to find out what is turning off when the engine cuts out whether it be fuel or ignition.