VN not going

[bluecar]

Well on Christmas day the stepmother said her VN wagon was making a noise. Had a look at it and it wouldn't start by then.

No spark found when tested. Suspected crank angle sensor

Put it on a trailer and took it to the local holden dealer.

They said crank angle sensor, the coil pack had blown out and so had a computer under the pack. I didn't even know there was a computer there.

Ask them if it was all worth fixing. The car is still a pretty tidy unit. They said yes.

Pick it up. Parts $485. Labour $255.

Step sister was driving it home and it died on her. Said it started running rough when she braked for a branch on the road and then wouldn't go. Stressed that it wasnt the first time she had used the brake.

So I went to it and it did start. But ran roughly, particularly when under acceleration. It was hard to get it over 60 kmph. Drove it for 5 mile. To me seemed if the spark was retarded. or something.

Got it to a shed at home and it stopped completely when I tried revving it. Try to start it now and it has a bit of a backfire symptom but won't really fire. Won’t go.

I suspect the mechanic found the broken bits alright but didn't find the cause of the breaks.

It is hardly worth chasing good money after bad on it. Think she is thinking of something new or newer anyway.

Any ideas greatly accepted on what the root cause of the trouble might be as I might try and have a go at it myself this time.

To me the mechanic has found the broken bits but not necessarily what broke them. They have probably all blown out again.

[88GreenVN]

Did he get the leads mixed up? Probably long shot tho...

[bluecar]

Did he get the leads mixed up? Probably long shot tho...

No, wouldn't have thought. It did 30 km beyond the garage o'k.

I'm guessing a power surge/short or something if an application of the brakes set the trouble off again.

The more I think of it, the computer may have had its day.

We have VR for a second car. It just wouldn't go a few years ago. No power getting passed the ignition. The same mechanic sourced a second hand computer and its done 60,000 km since without missing a beat.

This is getting power passed the ignition, though.

Passed the key that is when I say passed the ignition.

It's not going to be the spark plug leads unfortunately. The 5 mile I drove it, no power but the firing order was o'k.

Pasded the key that is when I say passed the ignition.

[Vr929]

hi mate check your Spark plug gap i have been caught out before from memory should be 1.5mm

[yon]

man i'd be gettin money back or gettin it fixed properly should be warranty on parts and labour..

[Rossbx]

This happened tyo my VP earlier this year (2009). After replacing the coil packs, DFI Module (that is the computer under the coil pack that you talk about in your post), plugs and leads, it was ok again. A week later it all started again, only a lot worse this time. It turned out to be the MAP and MAT sensors had shat themselves. I think yours will be the same problem from what I have read here. It would cost you around $170 for the both sensors plus fitting
I hope this helps
Happy New Year!

[bluecar]

This happened tyo my VP earlier this year (2009). After replacing the coil packs, DFI Module (that is the computer under the coil pack that you talk about in your post), plugs and leads, it was ok again. A week later it all started again, only a lot worse this time. It turned out to be the MAP and MAT sensors had shat themselves. I think yours will be the same problem from what I have read here. It would cost you around $170 for the both sensors plus fitting
I hope this helps
Happy New Year!

Happy new year to you to.

probably does help. Really do appreciate.

hi mate check your Spark plug gap i have been caught out before from memory should be 1.5mm

Don't think so but worth a thought. Evidently it was running well for a short period.

Yon, am putting thought into the money side of things. If the same parts have to be replaced again, who should pay should be talked about.

Anyway I will go and see them on Monday morning armed with your experience Rossbx.

[bluecar]

Out of curiosity, is it possible for the average person to fit mat and map sensors. Do they just bolt in or srew in.

[bluecar]

Wonder if this is what I'm looking for.

Looking at our VR and can't even see one.

[wortus]

check your leads, they need to be carefully removed and replaced as they can open circuit, otherwise check them for excessive resistance, specs are in most service manuals.
Leads can go O/S and car can run properly some of the time, it will usually break down on load or maybe hard to start and idle rough just after starting.
Also check for any cracked spark plugs and loose electrical connectors especially the one connecting to the DFI module under the coil packs.
If it is only not starting when hot its probably the crank angle sensor, pour cold warer on it and if it starts then the CAS is stuffed.
Lastly check the fuel pressure and maybe a new fuel filter?

[bluecar]

Might be going to have a happy outcome.

The garage reckons the replacement DFI is faulty. (wonder what DFI stands for. The I will be ignition I reckon)

Waiting on another. No extra charge if this is the case. Fingers crossed.