Car start issues

[tristanjp]

Its a really random issue, any time of the day, after a good drive or after not being driven for a day, my car just randomly wont start

i can tell it isnt the battery or starter, it makes the noise just before the engine turns over, but just gets stuck on that. Sometimes i can give it a rev and it will work, but a majority of the time pushing the accelerator pedal does nothing.

i'll leave it for an hour, even 5-10 mins and it will work again. i am seriously confused

My mechanic has no clue either, he seems to think it could be the key (???) but i took it to a holden dealer and they said the key looks near brand new

I'm thinking the fuel line or something but honestly i dont have much clue when to comes to this stuff.

I'm sorry for the lack of information, but really there isnt that much to give.

- Tristan.

[M01ST]

it makes the noise just before the engine turns over, but just gets stuck on that.

You mean you can hear the fuel pump or the engine turning over???

[tristanjp]

its the noise just before the engine turns on... the normal one, just gets stuck on that.

[Vee-ard]

Pumping the accelerator in EFI cars will do jack shit.

also, there are a lot of noises the engine will make before starting... fuel pump comes on, starter motor... engine turns over etc.... This is really the part you need to be specific on to get any help.

[scozz76]

Get someone to listen at the fuel tank, can they hear the fuel pump kick in (should last a second or two)?
Clean the metal strips that make contact with your key.

I had this problem - it was to do with the fuel pump, but it was not actually the pump (changed it twice). The external connector to the pump was dirty. I found this out when the car wouldn't start, i reached for the connection and nudged it ever so slightly. The car started on the next attempt. After a few times of doing exactly the same thing, I sprayed it with electrical contact cleaner and all seems ok - gone atleast a year without the problem.

You could hit the tank while someone is cranking the engine, but that won't indicate the problem - though it will point you in the right direction.

Check your oil level - if the oil pressure is low, the pump will not activate. According to the wiring diagram, the pump will run to pressurise the fuel line. But won't run under normal operating. Question, have you ever noticed the oil light on? Not on initial start-up.

Start with those suggestions as they're probably the easiest to test.

Another common fault is the crank angle sensor.... for now, just make sure it's plugged in properly and the connection is clean.

[tristanjp]

thanks for that mate, i'll have a look at some of those during the week ( very busy at work )

no the oil light has never come on, but the check engine one has.

[elemeNtz]

is it a "tick sound" when you start up?
spark plugs and fuel pump

have you sussed out wether if you put it in neutral it starts?

[VS5.0L]

Just finished a rebuild on my 5 litre and have had it bored 20 thou and i got flat tops and stage 2 crow cam and reco heads. I have got compression, spark and fuel but it wont start. It has fresh premium fuel and tried start ya barstard and changing the spark timing and replaced the ignition modual today. does anyone have any ideas.

[VS5.0L]

Could the compression be to high for the standard ignition system?