Why does my engine keep failing?

Question

I drive a Vauxhall Astra LS - 1.4L, 1997 model. It usually drives well, but every once in a while, the engine cuts out when I'm driving, and it won't start up again - the starter motor turns over OK but I can't get ignition. I usually have to wait 10 minutes or so before I can get it going again.
It can go for weeks and not do this, then it might do it twice a day for a week or so. It tends to happen when I'm driving at low speed - slowing down for junctions, driving in 30mph zones or moving off. Occasionally it won't start at all, and I can't even get off my driveway.
I've taken it to 3 garages, who all said they've fixed the problem, but it still happens. The AA are stumped. Help!

Answer 1

This sounds like your immobilizer is doing something it shouldn't - take it to an auto-electrician. It may have an on-board computer - my Vectra does and that's a 1997. That does weird things. It locked everything up yesterday, steering and ignition. I had to mess around for 5 minutes to unlock the steering. Just a Vauxhall thing. But apart from that - they are great - very reliable. Mine has never broken down. Just locked me in the car a couple of times! lol

Answer 2

I saw something like this happen when i worked in a garage for a year, it turned out to be the computer, what i would say though is take it to a vauxhall garage and they can test it and tell you, they are a little bit expensive but they have the computers to check this where as your normal garage doesnt.

Answer 3

It's possible that there is moisture getting into some of the contacts for the ignition and not allowing for proper contact to send spark to the ignition. Try getting a new distributor cap or sealing up the ignition box or whatever the vehicle has.

Answer 4

Hi,
I had a fiat many years ago that did this, and after many failed attempts to fix the problem i took it to a retired mechanic who someone put me in touch with, it turns out that as i had so many key rings on my car keys it was so heavy that it was making the ignition barrel move so now and again the wiring would be lose and would cut out, but as with most wiring it was intermittent, but had new wiring done and problem was solved, now i do not know if this is what is happening to yours but it did teach me to keep key rings to a minimum.
Kim

Answer 5

Here's a general list to check. Ignition: check coil and module (if possible) for grounding, corrosion, arcing, or damage. replace if any of the above are present. Power: inspect, remove, clean and /or replace the ground wire going from the battery to the engine and the one going from the engine to the body. Finally computer. if all else fails I'd bet the trouble is there and it needs to be replaced.

I hope this helps.

Answer 6

I have a 1.8 Vectra which suffers from Idle control issues.
These are well understood by most garages and really are a design fault of the engine etc.
Have a look here for some diagnostics on the Astra.
(Check if it is referring to your engine model)

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Automobile_Repair/Diagnostics

Answer 7

When the car wont start first thing to check is to see if you have a ignition spark.If you do then you next have to find out if you have fuel pressure,chances are if you don't that fuel pump relay is faulty if not then fuel pump faulty.

Answer 8

This is a fuel feed problem and not electrical.
Check the fuel filter, injectors and carburetter.

Answer 9

If the nylon bearings on the zoon shaft are worn it can cause the rotating bevel monitor to malfunction,not too difficult to fix.

Answer 10

The AA are playing cricket?