vs clubby wont start

[Brendo169]

after 9 days away with friends i came home and the car wont start!
i checked for error codes and its reading 12 which means all ok

after cranking over the car started for about 2 seconds then died....then battery went flat
tried to jump start but now it just cranks over endlessly without starting
any suggestions??

[88GreenVN]

Sounds like the security side of things has cut power to the injectors. Runs for a few seconds and then nothing. Maybe.

Key battery OK?

[hako]

You really need to fully recharge the battery before you try to start - jump starting when your battery is flat does not always work as there is too much voltage drop and the Commodore needs full voltage otherwise they will just crank over till flat. It's much better to swap batteries, start your engine and warm it up then put your old battery in.

[MasterOfReality]

Fuel pump?

Can you hear it prime before you try and start the car?

Did the car run really choppy in those few seconds?

Fuel pumps let go without warning, mine left me stranded at work and I had to get it towed.

[Brett_jjj]

After you fully charge the battery,if it still wont start then check for spark at the plug leads.If there is spark,then have a listen for the fuel pump as you turn the key to the on position(not start),you should be able to hear it for a couple of seconds then it will cut out.If you cant hear the pump when the key is turned to the on position,then get someone to give the bottom of the fuel tank a hit with a rubber mallet or similar while you turn the key to the on position,this can sometimes free up a stuck fuel pump.Ive seen a couple of these fuel pumps s--t themselves when left sitting for a while( over a few days etc).Let us know how you get on with it.

[Brendo169]

brett your idea about smashing the tank worked!!! haha my mates were like wtf...you want me to do what?
it ran and i drove down to the local repco to pick up an a/c belt
then when leaving the car started....then sounded really groggy and then shut off.....i got a random to turn the key while i smashed the tank and now im home again

does this mean the pump needs replacing or is a a temporary thing?

[88GreenVN]

Yep replace pump very soon - like tomorrow if you dont like walking ...

[Brett_jjj]

Thats good to hear,Like 88VN said,a new fuel pump will fix it,get a new fuel filter fitted while your at it,its right near where the pump is anyway, If you are doing it yourself(its fairly easy)remember to be careful of the fuel return line in the tank,it has to be disconnected from the old fuel pump assembly,Ive seen people break this return hose when changing the pump.And it will cause fuel pickup problems later. Let us know how you get on with it.Cheers

[Brendo169]

thanks for all your help guys
considered doing it myself but i really need the car running tomorrow and a local mechanic has quoted 375 total including labour, supply of pump, and a new filter/.
hows that sound to you?

[Brett_jjj]

I paid 120 or there abouts from bursons for a new pump.It only takes about an hour and you will have saved heaps.Id be doing it myself.The only trouble i had was getting the actual pump/sender out of the tank,and I just turned it on its side a bit and got someone to lift the rear suspension so I could get it out over either the panhard rod or diff,I cant quite remember which one was in the way.But it is fairly easy to do.Of course its up to you what you want to do.