VS 5 ltr got me stumpped

[andrewmac]

Hi all,
I have been having so many issues with my Vs Berlina wagon V8 lately and I just can seem to solve any of them.
I have a feeling at least some are related but Im really not too sure.
The biggest one ATM seems to be that when in drive it struggles to stay on and will cut out occasionally when first started.
The more load I put on the car (i.e headlights, power windows etc.) the more likely the car is to cut out.
If I go to hit the brakes hard aswell (sudden stop) the car will also cut out but will start again fine.
While driving if I try to accelerate hard the car will get too about 3500 - 4000 RPM and just doesn't want to go any higher, it will eventually get to 5000 RPM with a struggle but doesn't seem to be making much power and then when it changes gear it jerks forward quiet hard.
Another intermittent problem I have had is that after a drive and I leave the car siting for a few mins sometimes it just wont start. The relay will click but thats it no cranking and If i leave it (usually 15 - 30 mins) it will start with no issue, I have replaced the key and that didn't help and I tightened all the earth cables on the battery and starter and that seemed fine for a few days but it started doing it again.
I have recently changed spark plugs and oil and this has not done anything to help it.
Any one have any ideas as to whether these issues are related or what could be wrong.
There seems to be a new issue every week with this thing and its driving me up the wall.
Cheers

[hako]

I know nil about the 5 ltr except that I've heard your problem generally is the ignition module playing up. Usually the problem gets worse and worse.

[NORTI]

yeah I second that, also I had to replace the HES on mine too.

I would check alternator aswell.

[VrWagz1]

If your turning the key and its not cranking and you know the ignition wire on the starter is definatly powered, it could be a dicky solinoid in the starter motor. Might be worth swapping it with a cheapy from a wreckers.
I've had this in my car, but it turned out just to be the lug on the ignition wire on the starter motor had spread a little bit and wasnt making a good contact.

The car isnt possibly stalling because a fugged auto transmission is putting weight on the motor and pulling it down. If you were to put the car in N and put your foot on the break does it stall still.

[andrewmac]

I have suspected that the ignition module could be to blame for the cutting out everynow and again buts its not the worst issue.
The problem is that if the ignition module was gone it will crank and not start but I have never had that problem before, if it cranks it will start.
The transmission will be ok when in neutral, as in it wont stall if in N or P but as soon as its in drive the car struggles to stay on.
I might try and stop suddenly when in neutral (I can do it in the drive way cause i dont have to be going very fast for it to cutout) and see if its related to the transmission.
My mechanic thinks the transmission is stuffed and whilst I do agree with him I have a feeling there is some undelying electrical issue somewhere and i really wanna work out what.

[Eliminator]

for the stalling problem sounds liek the hall effect sensor, on my old vq i had similar symptoms, replaced the igniter, still stalled. replaced the hall effect sensor and was sweet. also clean out the throttle body and idle air control motor.

Apart of your problem sounds like the alternator isnt charging properly go to a battery shop and get the volts when the cars running, both with electrics off and on (headlights etc)

[GTP 85]

you can have the stalling issues if your alternator isnt charging your battery enough. Part of your description was exactly what i went thru with my VS wen the alternator died.

would not rev over 2000rpm cause the injectors/ coils must have been drawing the little power that was left in the battery (due to the alt not charging).

Worth a look i reckon

[GyolesVRSS]

ignition moduel had that issue on mine fine on day then it run the next.. but sould still turn over