Problems starting my Vectra

franlavery

I have just started having an issue when starting my Diesel Vectra. I wait for the heater light to go out and turn the key but sometimes nothing happens, no firing. I then attempt again and it fires up.
There is no performance issues with the car and it had a new starter motor less than 12 months ago. In January I had the EGR valve replaced due to the engine management light coming on.
I have checked the battery and it shows no error on the diagnostic check with my charger.

mcpitman

When was the last service? Was the fuel filter changed?

Inner_Zone

franlavery wrote: »

I have just started having an issue when starting my Diesel Vectra. I wait for the heater light to go out and turn the key but sometimes nothing happens, no firing. I then attempt again and it fires up.
There is no performance issues with the car and it had a new starter motor less than 12 months ago. In January I had the EGR valve replaced due to the engine management light coming on.
I have checked the battery and it shows no error on the diagnostic check with my charger.

Which year, engine, there are two UK models B and C and several diesel engines. Have you read any fault codes?

ossie

You say no firing but does it turn over? Heater light is just a timer. It may be a glow plug fault. Is it more difficult to start when engine cold. Does it restart OK once warmed up?

facade

franlavery wrote: »

I have just started having an issue when starting my Diesel Vectra. I wait for the heater light to go out and turn the key but sometimes nothing happens, no firing. I then attempt again and it fires up.

as in nothing whatsoever? No noises, no movement, no lights on the dash go on or off, just the soft sound of your fingers turning the key against a spring?

or do you mean

"The engine spins furiously on the starter at the normal cranking speed but will not fire and pick up speed"

weejangus

When checking the battery, make sure the connections are clean and decent contact is made. Happens regularly in Vauxhalls if the terminals are a little loose or covered in gunk.

If, however, you mean that it's turning over BUT not catching, that's common on the diesel vectra C. Usually caused by very small hairline cracks in the fuel line which allows air in. When sitting for a few hours, the air will push the fuel in the lines back to the tank meaning you need to crank it for ages to get it to start. It's usually solved by popping a One Way valve onto the fuel pipe under the bonnet.

franlavery

Hi,


It is a new fuel filter, was fitted in March whilst it was being MOT'd.

franlavery

Hi,


When I turn the key nothing happens as if the battery is flat but all the lights are on normally. I then turn it back off and try again and it fires up normally.

franlavery

Hi,


Thank you, I wonder if the garage cracked the line in error when fitting the new filter.


I will take it back and get them to check it. The car is the 2008 SRI CDTI 16V

franlavery

Hi,


The car is the 2008 SRI CDTI 16V. There are no fault codes and the system was cleared after the new EGR valve was fitted.