Starting problem with VAUXHALL ASTRA
Discussion
I have an on-going starting problem with my VAUXHALL ASTRA HATCHBACK 2.0T 16V Design 5dr.
For the past 6 months (which covers all weather conditions) the car has been failing to start on average once every fortnight (I use the car very regularly). My usual garage have replaced the battery and the starter motor but that hasn’t solved the problem. The Vauxhall garage have run “tech2” diagnostics which came up with fault codes P0302 cylinder misfire, P0301 Cylinder 1 misfire and P0300 multiple misfire. They advised to replace the coil pack and plugs, which I instructed them to do, but this did not solve the problem either. All of these attempted repairs have so far cost me nearly £700.
The problem at first seemed intermittent but, by keeping a diary, I have actually managed to pin down the exact circumstances that lead to this fault. Indeed I can actually re-create the problem at will now. The Vauxhall garage were made aware of these circumstances before they made their “fix”, which they advised was 100% certain to work (that’s what my usual garage said about the starter motor too).
When the problem occurs, the engine turns over but doesn’t quite start. The remedy is either to leave the car for an hour and it will start normally (just ask the AA!) or to bump start it down a hill.
The exact circumstances as to which the problem occurs are as follows:
• Leave work and drive to the gym (5 minute journey and the car starts no problem as it has been sitting in the car park all day)
• Stay in gym for 2 hours and then drive home (26 mile journey. Car starts no problem after being idle for the 2 hours)
• Arrive in home town and stop off at local shop for 5 minutes (car then starts no problem)
• Drive remainder of journey to my house (2 minutes)
• Leave car idle for 45 mins to an hour and try to start it. CAR FAILS TO START. Note that the car will still fail to start whether it is parked facing up or down the fairly steep incline that my street is on. It has also failed in similar circumstances where it has been parked on a flat road. The Vauxhall garage had suggested there might be a problem to do with fuel “running back”. Also note that the problem can be replicated with varying levels of fuel in the tank (nearly empty to completely full)
The key to this is that, at the final stage of this sequence of events, if I leave the car idle for this crucial 45 mins – 1 hour period (no more no less) then it fails to start. If I try to start it either straight after the journey or after an hour of being idle then the problem does not occur.
One other suggestion from Vauxhall was that the key I use may be failing to send the correct signals to the engine. The problem can’t be with the actual keys though as it occurs with both keys that I hold.
This has been a costly affair (my usual garage knew about it failing only after long journeys but still insisted I needed a new battery for example!) and even Vauxhall don’t seem to have the competence to resolve it without trying out seemingly random solutions that aren’t fixing the problem.
Any help from you guys greatly received and if it is any help I have video and sound recordings of the problem as it occurs.
One other question – has anyone ever been through similar and then received a refund from the garage for any of the “fixes” that have not worked?
For the past 6 months (which covers all weather conditions) the car has been failing to start on average once every fortnight (I use the car very regularly). My usual garage have replaced the battery and the starter motor but that hasn’t solved the problem. The Vauxhall garage have run “tech2” diagnostics which came up with fault codes P0302 cylinder misfire, P0301 Cylinder 1 misfire and P0300 multiple misfire. They advised to replace the coil pack and plugs, which I instructed them to do, but this did not solve the problem either. All of these attempted repairs have so far cost me nearly £700.
The problem at first seemed intermittent but, by keeping a diary, I have actually managed to pin down the exact circumstances that lead to this fault. Indeed I can actually re-create the problem at will now. The Vauxhall garage were made aware of these circumstances before they made their “fix”, which they advised was 100% certain to work (that’s what my usual garage said about the starter motor too).
When the problem occurs, the engine turns over but doesn’t quite start. The remedy is either to leave the car for an hour and it will start normally (just ask the AA!) or to bump start it down a hill.
The exact circumstances as to which the problem occurs are as follows:
• Leave work and drive to the gym (5 minute journey and the car starts no problem as it has been sitting in the car park all day)
• Stay in gym for 2 hours and then drive home (26 mile journey. Car starts no problem after being idle for the 2 hours)
• Arrive in home town and stop off at local shop for 5 minutes (car then starts no problem)
• Drive remainder of journey to my house (2 minutes)
• Leave car idle for 45 mins to an hour and try to start it. CAR FAILS TO START. Note that the car will still fail to start whether it is parked facing up or down the fairly steep incline that my street is on. It has also failed in similar circumstances where it has been parked on a flat road. The Vauxhall garage had suggested there might be a problem to do with fuel “running back”. Also note that the problem can be replicated with varying levels of fuel in the tank (nearly empty to completely full)
The key to this is that, at the final stage of this sequence of events, if I leave the car idle for this crucial 45 mins – 1 hour period (no more no less) then it fails to start. If I try to start it either straight after the journey or after an hour of being idle then the problem does not occur.
One other suggestion from Vauxhall was that the key I use may be failing to send the correct signals to the engine. The problem can’t be with the actual keys though as it occurs with both keys that I hold.
This has been a costly affair (my usual garage knew about it failing only after long journeys but still insisted I needed a new battery for example!) and even Vauxhall don’t seem to have the competence to resolve it without trying out seemingly random solutions that aren’t fixing the problem.
Any help from you guys greatly received and if it is any help I have video and sound recordings of the problem as it occurs.
One other question – has anyone ever been through similar and then received a refund from the garage for any of the “fixes” that have not worked?
Just to say, thanks a million for all of this advice guys. Unfortunately I wasn't technically minded enough to go checking out all of those possibilities myself, nor did I think it worthwhile throwing any more money at Vauxhall garages etc so I had to get rid. Again, very much appreciated that you guys took the time to help me with my problem 
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