Corsa Cutting Out

StephyM

My Corsa has recently been cutting out on me when I'm driving slowly then it takes a couple of attempts to get it started again. At first I thought that I had maybe stalled the car but when it happened a second time I knew that I hadn't and now it happens more frequently.

I only really use my car to get to work and my route only takes me 15 minutes. I am on a dual carriageway for most of the journey therefore driving faster, but when I either get to work and I am parking my car or when I get home, this is when it cuts out.

Also when I do a really short trip and then try to start my car again it takes a couple of tries to get it going, and when it does the service light comes on.

Can anyone shed any light as to what the problem may be, and most importantly how much will it likely cost to fix?

Thanks!

Strider590

You need to post the cars age, engine size and fuel type.

StephyM

Sorry...

Its a 2000 reg, 1199cc, petrol.

dan321

I had one for a short while that did this. I think it turned out to be an immobiliser problem - mechanic knew straight away what to do and was quite a cheap fix if I remember rightly.

forgotmyname

When did it last have a proper service?

A full one with plugs and leads and filters etc. Not just an oil change.

StephyM

I've had the car for a year and I haven't taken it for one yet.

Just wanted to prep myself up with some knowledge before I take it to a garage.

Strider590

StephyM wrote: »

Also when I do a really short trip and then try to start my car again it takes a couple of tries to get it going, and when it does the service light comes on.

This is most likely down to "bore wash", where the engine is run for a short time, it remains cold and you turn it off, the excess fuel (used when engine is cold) condenses and runs down the pistons washing away the engine oil.
The engine oil normally forms a seal around the piston, so with no seal there's no compression and so the engine fails to start, until more oil is pumped up and around the piston again (by the engine rotation driven by the starter motor).

It causes serious engine wear because the engine oil is contaminated, at first you don't notice a problem (in the early years of the cars life), but once the piston rings start to wear down, it gives you starting problems.
You have to remember, if you run the car for a short time (to the local shop and back), let the engine warm up fully before turning it off.

Its the primary reason why short journeys = service more often.

Typically this is why I steer well clear of very low mileage cars especially if fitted with cheap tyres (which suggests it's been maintained on a tight budget).


As for the cutting out, my money is on the camshaft sensor or the coil pack.

Sensors are £10 - £25
Coil pack seem to be £15 - £50

Too much information, I know... But I bare in mind that other people might come searching for answers to the same problem in future.

spacey2012

It needs the fault code reading, most likely are the Crank sensor if it only does it when warmed up. ,

MercMark

spacey2012 wrote: »

It needs the fault code reading, most likely are the Crank sensor if it only does it when warmed up. ,

I agree with this, my mate was having a similar problem and he got this fixed and it solved the problem and it only cost him around £50.

StephyM

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll ask about this when I take it to be looked at.

forgotmyname

Neglect??. Cars need to be serviced.

Mine gets an oil change twice a year and a full service yearly, Even though i only do a low mileage.