VX starts OK, but wont start again when hot

[Revival]

My VX starts OK when cold. When I do a 50-70km journey it wont start after stopping. Cranks a few times then is dead. Car cools down, starts fine. Battery, starter motor? Would appreciate any solutions.

[r_i_d_a_h]

sounds like tha CAS - Crank Angle Sensor, which can be located behind the harmonic balancer (big main pulley on the bottom of the engine) you wont be able to see it clearly as you need to remove the balancer to get to it.

You should do a Error Code Check first, so you can determine for sure and then When this happens again pour some water behind the pulley so it wets the CAS and see if it starts up again, if so you need to replace the existing CAS

[Revival]

Thanks ridah. That doesn't sound like a cheap fix!

[levymetal]

do you mean the motor won't actually turn over at all when hot? i've had the same problem since i got my car, there have been a couple of times were i've gotten stuck because i couldn't start my car. since replacing the battery and installing a big fat ground to engine bay i haven't gotten stuck anywhere, still cranks a little bit slower when hot but it's liveable.

take it down to a mechanics/auto elec, they will test the battery and let you know if it's stuffed or not. basically if they put a new battery in and it starts, problem solved. if it doesn't start then don't buy the battery . win win

[WPN-42L]

Thanks ridah. That doesn't sound like a cheap fix!

I have the EXACT SAME problem. And the cold water trick works a treat. Pour it on there and wait a minute or two, allow the CAS to cool and it will crank over.

My mates a mechanic and is fixing my car tomorrow. $45 for the CAS $0 for labour yay. If you go to a mechanic and he charges you over $100 he's ripping you off. I let you know how it goes with my car.

cheers
Kernal

[Revival]

Yesterday when I tried to restart it, clicking noises came from under the dash. This morning it tried to crank, maybe a turn and then clicking noises. Taking it to the auto sparky tomorrow after a long run. His diagnosis over the phone was "starter motor failing when hot."

[VH commodore]

im 99% sure it'll be the starter motor, they are fairly cheap for commodores. vt's and vx's have that problem with them, mine did till i replaced the starter motor now its mint

[WPN-42L]

Yesterday when I tried to restart it, clicking noises came from under the dash. This morning it tried to crank, maybe a turn and then clicking noises. Taking it to the auto sparky tomorrow after a long run. His diagnosis over the phone was "starter motor failing when hot."

That clicking means your battery is dead. Do u have jumper leads or a battery booster. Was the engine hot when u tried to start it? Then its not "wont start when starter motors hot". Im 99% sure hes takin u 4 a ride.

[VH commodore]

yeah putting a jumper battery on it will start it but the problem will still be the starter motor (assuming the battery is ok) when they get old they draw alot more current so it will seem like u have a dead battery.

[Revival]

Arrived home Friday nite after 70km drive. Shut it down, started straight away. No probs. Took it to the electrician Sat morning and battery is just fine, good charge started with minimum of fuss. Pointing towards a dodgy starter motor. Thanks to everyone for help.