Engine Start Issue - Astra MK4

[anonymous-user]

Hello all, this is my first post so to the issue.....

I'm getting some random engine start issues lately, the random bit being it will only happen every now and then. then

In the past 5k miles I have replaced;
-Oil
-Oil filter
-Spark Plugs
-Mass airflow Sensor
-Issue has occurred on both Full/Half/"3/4" Empty Tanks
-Both on hot & cold days


Anything else which it could be ?

[denniswise9]

When you say issue do you mean it is turning and not firing up immediately?

How often?

[anonymous-user]

denniswise9 said:

When you say issue do you mean it is turning and not firing up immediately?

How often?

Yes exactly sorry for the lack of info, it just doesn't fire at all then a 2nd or 3rd try and away it starts and just every now and then its totally random when it happens

[pringle1988]

Im not sure if it would be but could a fuel filter with crap in it cause these sorts of problems?
Ive no idea though sorry just a suggestion

[Nickyboy]

I'd go with the electronic ignition

[Astra Dan]

Cam and crank sensors can be fragile on these. What engine?

[60]

Nickyboy said:

I'd go with the electronic ignition

Yeah, try it with a coil pack you know works.

[Toyowner]

Every Vaux Ive ever owned has needed a crank sensor.

Is the management light on ?

[anonymous-user]

Astra Dan said:

Cam and crank sensors can be fragile on these. What engine?

Couldnt tell y ou the exact engine code etc but 1.8 sxi 16v :S ?

Toyowner said:

Every Vaux Ive ever owned has needed a crank sensor.

Is the management light on ?

no however if it doesn't start the first/2nd time it comes on then goes of 3 successful turns later

[Astra Dan]

The engine management light will always be on without the engine running with the ignition on. It should go out during cranking.
Yours is a X18XE1 (small block).

Might be worth flashing the codes to see if any are stored. Hold the gas and brake pedal down, turn ignition on.

[anonymous-user]

Astra Dan said:

The engine management light will always be on without the engine running with the ignition on. It should go out during cranking.
Yours is a X18XE1 (small block).

Might be worth flashing the codes to see if any are stored. Hold the gas and brake pedal down, turn ignition on.

Sorry to sound like a total novice here, when you say flashing do you mean it will show an error code on the HUD or it will reset any errors?

[bigdods]

Toyowner said:

Every Vaux Ive ever owned has needed a crank sensor.

Is the management light on ?

Same here, they are a common weak point. Doesnt usually trip the warning light either , but the codes will be stored in the ecu. Either flash them out or get it to a garage with a code reader. Hint - avoid vauxhall they will charge you a lot to check it. Find a local small garage they will usually scan the codes for free.

The sensor will cost you in the region of £60 , but make sure you get a genuine vauxhall one, the cheaper patter parts are very fragile and you will end up changing it again.

[anonymous-user]

What do you mean by flash them out ? via a reader or ?

Thanks again every btw

[bigdods]

knowlesy said:

What do you mean by flash them out ? via a reader or ?

Thanks again every btw

A quick google gives bad news , looks like the MK4 may be tech2 only. This is a vauxhall code reader. Looks like it doesnt allow code flashing or OBD reading.

So you may have to fork out for a dealer code read.

Suggest you find your way to an astra owners forum (there must be one) as members may have a tech 2 that can read your codes. I belong to the omega owners forum and they have several tech2's between them. But on the omega you can also short out 2 pins and it flashes a light , you count the flashes and thats the code, you look it up and it tells you what the problem is. But it doesnt look like the astra does this.

Might be worth you doing a more detailed google to check.

[Le Mans Visitor]

Check www.migweb.co.uk its one of the biggest Vauxhall Forums and is full of info.

As for flashing the codes you simply bridge out 2 pins on the Diagnostic plug (found bu your handbrake) and count the ECU light flashes.

WWW.MIGWEB.CO.UK

[Astra Dan]

As above. If this doens't work, try what I said earlier - hold gas and brake down, switch ignition on, see of ECU light flashes codes. If it does, look them up here:

www.topbuzz.co.uk

Mk4 Astras do not need a code reader.

[craig7584]

Is there an immobiliser on these? Just a thought

[Astra Dan]

Yes there is. If there's a fault with that the ECU light will flash quickly.

[Le Mans Visitor]

Astra Dan said:

Yes there is. If there's a fault with that the ECU light will flash quickly.

... with the ignition turned on.

Edited by Le Mans Visitor on Friday 29th July 22:49