Another car won't start thread

[FTe_XR8]

So i was pulling into my driveway last night and the car just coughed and died. I tried restarting it, it was turning over and starting but would only run for a couple of seconds and really rough like it was only firing a couple of cylinders.
I got it to start once or twice and revved it and it seemed to clear then the smartshield light would start flashing and the car would die. I decided to leave it for an hour or so then when to try it again and nothing, it wouldnt even try turn over, no "clicking" like when it has a flat battery, i could hear the relay under the dash clicking but thats it. I checked the battery and its at 12.5 volts.
I was wondering how do you know if there is a problem with the smartshield system? the light flashes like normal and when i try to start it the light goes out? Any ideas would be great as the car is stranded out the front of my house!

[JC]

Are you a member of your state's NRMA/RACV equivalent/ I'd be ringing them if you are. If you're not, I'd be ringing them, joining up, then asking them to come out. Could be dead battery (volts is one thing, but it's amps that are needed to start up), but could also be the smartshield playing up.

[FTe_XR8]

na not a member, i couldnt really justify it seeing as though i fix everything myself. But im thinking i mite join now just to get it towed to an auto sparky!
I plugged a diagnostic computer in and its telling me one of the ECU's is faulty so im ringing around to find out more info about it.

[RG]

Originally Posted by FTe_XR8

na not a member, i couldnt really justify it seeing as though i fix everything myself. But im thinking i mite join now just to get it towed to an auto sparky!
I plugged a diagnostic computer in and its telling me one of the ECU's is faulty so im ringing around to find out more info about it.

If you know that much then instead of calling out whoever does roadside assist there I'd try finding an Auto Elec who does onsite work. At least you'll be able to get it diagnosed and then replace the faulty part yourself or get the elec to do it.

Saves you joining fees.

[mik]

see if you can borrow a good working battery for 5 minutes and give it a shot perhaps.

[FTe_XR8]

i've had the jumper pack on it and it was fully charged. im getting it taken to a good auto sparky who has the proper computer and know how to fix it. cheers for ur replies

[Trace 347c]

Blown diode in your alternator mate, had the same problem. Forget what the scan says, use an analog multimeter to check, (old school one that uses a needle rather than digital read out) These comps are very voltage sensative, thus the computer is getting dodgy readings