Vauxhall Corsa Problem.

[JimmyConwayNW]

Hi,

I currently have a Vauxhall Corsa I have been working on getting ready for sale. 1.4 exclusive petrol model.

The car has had a new head gasket.

Since replacing the headgasket the car has been failing to start. It is timed up correctly and fitted correctly.

The car will start and then cut out after a couple of seconds. I cannot for the life of me work out what is wrong. Compression test is all clear.

When the key goes in the ignition before fully starting the engine at the mid point there is a ticking noise, almost like a broken relay. These cars are fitted with an alarm.

I don't suppose anyone could give me a bit of a suggestion or pointer and I am fully aware its not the most PH of cars I am at a complete loss with this one.

Any help massively appreciated.

Thanks.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

JimmyConwayNW said:

Hi,

I currently have a Vauxhall Corsa I have been working on getting ready for sale. 1.4 exclusive petrol model.

The car has had a new head gasket.

Since replacing the headgasket the car has been failing to start. It is timed up correctly and fitted correctly.

The car will start and then cut out after a couple of seconds. I cannot for the life of me work out what is wrong. Compression test is all clear.

When the key goes in the ignition before fully starting the engine at the mid point there is a ticking noise, almost like a broken relay. These cars are fitted with an alarm.

I don't suppose anyone could give me a bit of a suggestion or pointer and I am fully aware its not the most PH of cars I am at a complete loss with this one.

Any help massively appreciated.

Thanks.

wire not connected or connected incorrectly, air in fuel lines, vacuum leak on intake?

[leafspring]

Total guess... sounds like the electric fuel pump (the ticking noise) isn't supplying enough fuel and/or is cutting out after start up

[The_Burg]

Fuel pump would be my guess, ticking is pressurising the fuel system, all cars do it even if you don't notice.

Have you got an Android or i phone? Download 'torque' and buy a blue tooth OBDII adaptor, should help to diagnose.

Or It's a Vauxhall = crap It's a Corsa = double crap.

[BFG TERRANO]

Another vote for fuel. Don't these things have common rail with a sensor on the rail? Is it all wired properly?

[SkepticSteve]

Could be throttle idle control valve?

It is a stepper motor and could be trying to find its position.
Which might point to a throttle position sensor problem.

Air filter off and then get someone to turn ignition on and see if you can pinpoint the noise.

Could just be a faulty connection somewhere.

You probably know, but ONLY buy sensors from a main dealer, cheap ebay parts don't last long.

[Arbs]

Corsa suffer from a couple of problems, if it runs and then cuts out, sounds like immobiliser to me. Is there anything showing on dash? Other common faults include crank sensors ( very common), loose dash pod (press in middle whilst trying to start). Where is that clicking noise you hear coming from? If from the throttle body, try earthing out the ecu with a piece of wire (ecu to batt neg) this should cause it to stop and vehicle to start. Try them for now!

[JimmyConwayNW]

Thanks for the help so far.

We sell a few Corsa C and I usually find they are fairly simple to work on. This one however, is throwing up no warning lights or anything.

I will try a few of the suggestions Sunday/Monday and try to get this one on the road.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

JimmyConwayNW said:

Thanks for the help so far.

We sell a few Corsa C and I usually find they are fairly simple to work on. This one however, is throwing up no warning lights or anything.

I will try a few of the suggestions Sunday/Monday and try to get this one on the road.

assuming it was running before, then it's most likely something not connected properly, check all the electrical connections you have had off and also any electrical connections you have been near, also check for any earth cables that haven't been connected properly, could be that you're getting an intermittent connection.

[JimmyConwayNW]

The clicking noise was there. I had assumed something to do with climate control or alarm and didn't pay it much attention. Figured may aswell get the head gasket sorted first..
Was getting to the point earlier where I half hoped it had dropped a valve just to have located the damn problem.

I shall go back to all connections again.

[heners54]

Does the car respond to throttle input before it cuts out? Mine had a bad dash connection and once after being left for a week would run for 3-6 seconds and then cut out, full throttle made no difference to engine speed; hard whacks on the binnacle until it kept ticking over and job jobbed

[JimmyConwayNW]

The_Burg said:

Or It's a Vauxhall = crap It's a Corsa = double crap.

They are not a bad choice for most people as a first car and are massively popular for good reason.

Its not something for me to personally drive around in, but if I was 17 again I might just plump for the exclusiv model and spend a vast amount of time sliding around McDonalds carparks with trays under my back wheels

[NiceCupOfTea]

wiring to camshaft/crankshaft position sensors?

[Woodyandloz]

Hi. Having the exact same issue right after a headgasket replacement! Did you manage to find a solution?