Topic

My '96 MGF fails to start. When trying to read the engine ECU I get the message "Init fail". I have tried with a known good ECU which has the starter inhibitor circuit disabled but I get the same message.
I get readings from the SCU and the other ECUs OK.
There is no power to the starter motor when the key is turned to the "start" position. The starter cranks when powered directly from the battery via a jump lead but the engine does not start.
I hear nothing when the ignition is turned on. No relays clicking, no fuel pump priming.
All fuses are OK.
Apparently there is a missing connection somewhere but I can't figure out where.

MEMS1.9 or MEMS2J?

I can probably help you to power up the ECU off of the car and connect pscan to it on the bench.

This is exactly what I did to make these videos:-

It there is a relay next to the engine ECU. It may have failed on you or gotten stuck. Do you hear a faint clicking sound from where the ECU is located on the rear left side of the engine compartment when turning the key to start position?
I thought that I had an immobiliser issue, but it turned out that it was the relay. You will not hear the faint click if it is the immobilizer.
Regards,
Jess

Typo correction...
There is a relay located...

Solved! I was indeed the multirelay. A litte wiggling and it fired.

and does the pscan work now?

Good news! Glad to hear it!

Pscan works OK now. It just needed signals from the ECU apparently. No fault codes.