Problems With Starting - no clue help me please!!!!

[vxs3.8]

Hey all!
Hope someone here can help me.

I have a problem with my VX Commodore. It only has 70000kms on it.
When i try to start it after not driving it for a day, i put the key in turn it and nothing happens. The radio turns on, ignition lights light up etc but the car wont even attempt to kick over. Sometimes if i hold the key for around 30secs it will start fine, but other times nothing. I got out last time and riggled the battery terminals and it started when i couldnt get it going, so i ended up changing the battery terminal leads (also cleaned them to make sure there was contact) This hasnt helped the problem. It only happens when i havent dirven the car for a while (like 12 hours or so). After i get it started i can turn it off and start it again no problems at all. Seems like the problem only occurs when the car is cold or not started for a while. Not sure what to look at. The battery/leads/coils/starter motor/key. It confusing the hell out of me. I tried using a different key which worked but then started having the same problem as well. (they could both be on their way out but not to sure dont want to go buy a new one for no reason). Hoping someone from here can help me please!!!! does anyone know how to fix this/ is it a common problem. My battery has a strength signal whihc is green so i think its ok but dont know??? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

Thanks alot!!

[lout]

check if the red led above the mode switch is flashing or not does the remote work from a good distance say 10m could be flat battery in remote
try turning key until dash lights up count to ten then turn off then try to start normally may be losing fuel pressure

[glowworm]

Hey i too have got the same problem some times it will start right away then other mornings it will not i found if i push the car while it is in park ,so rock the car )then turn the key it will start.I have had this problem for 9-10 months now ,and just put up with it ..Maybe there is something in the auto like when you cant start it in park but then put it in N then it starts ,something like that maybe,,any help would be good ..

[fitz_vt]

It could be anything, does the car have any engine codes, there a few that prevent the vehicle from starting, it could be the Battery, check the battery for collapsed cells, after this test you vehicles starter motor, if not then move on the ECU and BCM to check you security system. after this i would contact an Auto Electrician for further diagnostics.

[glowworm]

Ok have a new battery ,and new conecters to the batttery have put in a new ecu which had to get auto elec to pear it up and i still have this problem

[ACEMonkey]

Get a decent battery, and while you're at it, get your alternator checked. The regulator could be stuffed.

[glowworm]

Get a decent battery, and while you're at it, get your alternator checked. The regulator could be stuffed.

Get a life cant you read the last tread, alternator is fine hads been tested

[paulsautoelec]

check inhibitor switch could be faulty & check wiring/plugs to tranny if it only happens when cold its possible you have a corroded connection in the starting circuit. mostly this happens at the g/box connector or inhibitor switch. happens more in temperate climates like hehre in darwin but can happen everywhere

[ACEMonkey]

Get a life cant you read the last tread, alternator is fine hads been tested

You never mentioned you had your alternator tested. All the signs you mentioned point to a faulty alternator and a stuffed battery, flat battery after running, problems starting etc.

And I doubt you know what an alternator is judging by your comment above. You could at least said that your alternator was tested before being all stroppy about it.

[vxs3.8]

hey again,
problem seems to be getting worse, was driving last night and my headlights started flickering (like they were about to turn off) this happeneded especailly when i turned on my highbeams, any ideas?? im guessing it relates to other problems im having
Got it booked into an auto electrician just wondering if anyone cna save me some time???????? or what im looking at???
thanks again guys

[GMMAD]

check and see if the BCM fuse is blown

[drift-it]

i had a problem with my alternator powercable stud coming loose...it'd charge just, so i didnt notice the problem but at the same time getting super hot and cooking the wiring eventually lightin the powercable up:S one minute car running fine next minute car not running at all!

[lout]

check the 3 plugs under bonnet near drivers side windscreen

[i84ds]

Starter motor. mine was doing the same thing until my starter motor stopped working after I replaced it never did it any more.

[fitz_vt]

Starter motor. mine was doing the same thing until my starter motor stopped working after I replaced it never did it any more.

Ah this brings new light to the subject, as your starter motor if blown will draw alot more current to start the car.

[vt dreamer]

Flat battery on the key piece? I had this problem once too, the engine supposedly checks the key to make sure its the right one for the engine before starting the car, and if your battery is running flat, the car wont start, wel that's what r.a.c.v. told me, ever since i got it fixed it hasn't happened.

[vxs3.8]

i dont think its the key, ive tried both of them and its the same problem, also the problem doesnt occur when the car is warm
anyways i got it at the autoelect now so il let yous know how i go and what the problem is

[vxs3.8]

hey guys got a bit of an update
not the battery, not the alternator tested all good
they seem to think its the bcm (body control module)
any ideas before i change it????

[fasamr]

its the theft determnt problem happens to me all the time but i am going with it since4 years lol .

all u need to do is if engine dosent cranks turn the key to on position where the all of engine check abs battery illuminates than see dat the red light it blinking on the mode button if yes than on your key keep on pressing the unlock button unless it red light is off on the mode button , asa soon as red light is off try cranking hopefully engine will start.

dats wat i do

[fitz_vt]

it sounds like a BCM Fault, because of the theft deterrent system what happens is basically the vehicle has a resistor in the keyfob(remote), which communicates through the keyreader and to the BCM if the car detects that your key is in the ignition properly, and also that its the correct remote for the car it works on resistance. its either your key, your key reader or BCm. i would start with the cheaper things first like a new Key

[vxs3.8]

hey guys
think i got it all sorted
changed the starter relay and that ddint help
light were a different issue due to a faulty stalk
the starting problem delay/problem was casued by my starter motor - replaced and all seems fine!
thanks

[denholden]

hi, this is my first post...lots of confusing info, but it all helps I guess....keep up the good responses..
Just Bought a 98' VT 's pak'..(have 2 VT's now..) problem with 's pak' starting at times..? Its obvious, it key starts fine when the mode light stops flashin when its turned to 'on' position...(normal).
then after switch off..(wait 30 secs for mode light to blink again..) turn key to 'on' again..the light is still flashing....?? therefore wont keystart....!
Is this a keypad issue..? cos the sales guy said the original key was stuffed and they got another key/pad made...I only got 1 key with the car.....or is it something else..?? please help thnx.
...

I have replaced the ignition barrell, because the steering wheel wouldnt lock..due to broken spring.......
So far there has been no trouble with the above trouble I asked about....??? I didnt think it would fix that problem..? Oh well...! cars been good for a week..
I'll keep you posted cheers all.!!

hi, yes the new Barrel has fixed the starting problem ..hasnt reoccurred yet....success..!!!

[JEZIMP]

i have just been going thru the same problem with my VT S II, at frist my car will start fine if left over night, if i drive it and go somewhere, leave it, then try to go again, nothing happens, all electrics work, can hear the starter relay ticking over when loaded, but nothing form the starter motor, being a manual i have tha advantage of a roll start, but its gotta b fixed, i just got a new starter motor but infortunatly its the wrong one, i took the old starter motor apart, gave it a good clean out, found that there was a lot of crap around all the magnets and the windings, gave it all a good blow and wipe out, and now seems to b fine, if any further problems i will deffinitly b getting the right new starter motor coz it is where the problem is coming from, also going to check out about the alternator powercable stud posted by "drift-it", because sometimes it seems that my battery just isnt giving enough kick sometimes, hope this helps

[denholden]

Hi, I noticed some foam in the top dash vent on the drivers side that has come off..its blocking 2 sections of the vent...so the demister is only blowing through 1 section..
anyone know how to remove the top section vent panels so I can reattach the loose foam.?

[damiandownie]

check if the red led above the mode switch is flashing or not does the remote work from a good distance say 10m could be flat battery in remote
try turning key until dash lights up count to ten then turn off then try to start normally may be losing fuel pressure

My key works from about 25M away, this is no lie. i suprise everybody that mine can have that range. I dont know why it has such a good range and i wish i knew