2003 Astra Started Then Died

jellykingdom on 10/02/2017 - 12:50
Last edited 10/02/2017 - 13:48 by 1 other user

Hi all, just selling off my old 2003 Astra since I've bought a new car

I delayed a bit with the selling process, now I've taken some pics and while I was out there in the hot hot Sydney weather, i went to start it up. Started ok and like normal, but it ran for 1-2 seconds and died. During that time, the car revved normally then the revs just tailed off and died

After that, it wouldn't start at all. Still turning over ok but no engine start.

Anyone got any thoughts?

Weather was stinking hot, and the car has been sitting for 2 weeks unused.

My current plan is an extra top up of petrol (maybe another jerry can), then try jump start the battery, and/or a push start since its a manual.

I'm a bit annoyed since its not a great time to be paying a mechanic to fix things just before I sell it!

Automotive

Comments

  • Forskin on 10/02/2017 - 13:06

    Do you have any fuel pressure ?
    Spark plugs & ignition leads are ok ?
    Air intake not blocked ?

    As it's a crank no start, its usually one of these three things. Fuel, Air or Ignition.

    You can check the ignition by removing one lead at a time from the coil pack (leave the spark plug end in) and cranking the engine to see if it sparks

    Check your battery voltage too!

    • jellykingdom on 10/02/2017 - 14:06

      No idea
      No idea
      No idea

      Haha

      How would i find that out? I have an OBD tool and have used it on this car, i'm pretty sure it shows fuel pressure?

      • supnigs super skids on 10/02/2017 - 14:14

        Gonna be hard for you to diagnose this yourself then. Get roadside assistance or the like to look at it then

      • Forskin on 10/02/2017 - 14:15

        If your OBD tool shows fuel pressure then great cross that one off the list when you check it. Fuel pump should turn on when the ignition is on.
        Another way to check if your fuel pump is working is to disconnect a fuel line near the fuel filter and crank it over. Should piss out petrol everywhere then you know its working..

        If possible, can you remove that useless plastic engine cover and post a picture so I can get a better look at where the ignition leads are?

        You should probably go ahead and check your fuses too

  • Master Bates on 10/02/2017 - 13:17

    Very likely just a dead battery. We had a similar problem a long time ago and the mechanic said the car actually needs battery power to keep the engine running, hence it will start and die.

    Charge it up, or buy a new one.

    • Euphemistic on 10/02/2017 - 13:34

      Probably not battery: "still turning over ok"

      Try it again when it's cooler. It might have been a combination of sitting for a while and the fuel being a bit too hot in the lines. The Astra was built in Europe, and also known for electrical gremlins so might just be suffering a bit of heat stress.

      Could really be all sorts of things though.

    • Forskin on 10/02/2017 - 14:07

      not true.

      The alternator provides enough energy to charge and run your car electronics.
      Have run one of my cars plenty of times by jump starting then removing the battery. Not a good idea for long term use, but you do not need a battery to keep the engine running.

  • aussieprepper on 10/02/2017 - 15:36

    Bang on your fuel tank and see if it runs longer? This can some times work. If it runs longer then dies its the fuel pump.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2017 - 20:27

    Astras have coil packs on top of the engine, no leads, and do have a reputation for failing. You should be able to see codes for misfire and that might be the culprit. Having fuel 'piss' out the filter line doesn't guarantee fuel pressure, regulator could have failed. I think they have an external reg so if you remove the vacuum line you might see it full of fuel. Might be a dirty throttle body which is common, try starting with some throttle input, maybe a $5 can of carby cleaner is all you need. If you scan and get a code for engine torque not matching range or some such thing (been a while since I worked on astras) clean the throttle body. Could be a battery getting low cranking volts, most Holden/Opel/Isuzu products wont start with less than 9v, computers won't turn on. They also have a clutch on the alternator which could have caused charging issues,they usually rattle at idle before they fail and bring the warning light on.
    Hope the $5 option works for you, had a similar issue 2 days before dropping my trade in off, 2003tribute needed spark plugs and fuel filter. Luckily the $30 each platinum plugs have a standard cousin, for $3.50 each.
    Wish you luck ;)

  • SnoozeAndLose on 10/02/2017 - 20:58
    +1

    Do you have NRMA roadside assistant? why not call them and ask them to check it for you. If you do not have NRMA, why not join and call them in 24 hours?

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2017 - 21:24
    -1

    It only has scrap value anyway. Just get a wrecker to pick it up.

  • Forskin on 11/02/2017 - 08:33

    Any updates?

    • jellykingdom on 11/02/2017 - 09:31
      +1

      I'll let you know but it's too hot right now for fault finding

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join