VT Hard to Start

[VTVYHybrid]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if you could help my diagnose my VTII which is struggling to start.

Heres the facts:

I turn ignition on, wait for the fuel pump to finnish before starting but unless I give it some throttle it will not start - Sounds like could be fuel?
It has good battery, alternator and starter
Engine runs very smooth once started

Just wondering what everybody's initial diagnosis would be? I'm thinking maybe plugs/leads/fuel filter.
Please let me know your thoughts, especially those who have come across and fixed the same problem.

Thanks All

[graham7773]

TPS? Normally, fuel injected engines don't respond to throttle before starting as pumping the pedal does not put extra fuel in before the engine fires. Only after the engine is running does extra fuel go in which why I suggested Throttle Position Sensor.. Covering my butt, it could be fuel filter if it has not been changed for some time

[edals]

When was it last serviced ? If you are not sure of when the fuel filter was replaced i would Do Plugs/Leads/OIL,AIR,FUEL Filters & OIL. Also run Premium Fuel and Run some injector cleaner. It may not resolve the issue but you now know you can rule all those out. Start with the basics first.
Also Check for Error codes see if any sensor is reporting a fault.
Checking error codes VT/VX

[Mick1988]

Does it just turn over but with no spark? Could be a faulty IAC valve. How is the idle after you have started the car? Has it ever stalled at idle?

[VTVYHybrid]

Cheers Guys, I dont think it's throttle position sensor. I checked codes and it's only coming up code 12 which is nice to see. I'm not pumping the accelerator so to speak but I have to give it 1/3 to 1/2 acceleration to make it tick over otherwise the starter would just run until the battery died. I'll do as Ex Bike Rider suggests and start small replacing the fuel filter / plugs and leads. It' is about 5k kms over dure for a service so I'm sure thats not helping.

Mick1988 Yeah after start it's perfect at idle and won't stall. It really feels like fuel to me but the pump sounds strong. When I turn it over I think it's got spark but no fuel so after I have don the fuel filter I'll come back to the IAC theory and move forward from there.

Thanks for the replies guys. It's much appreciated!

[lout]

I agree with Graham TPS

[lout]

had a second thought, possibly IAC

[-_-"]

Fuel pump relay , try to swap it with your horn relay (exactly the same) and see if the problem solved. then go to Holden and buy new fuel pump relay. it's a micro relay type but the pins are different from after market relay that you can buy from any auto stores. so, Holden only

by the way, it locate in the engine bay (just in case)

[billy bob]

Do you have to wind it over for a bit before it starts?
Is it only when the motors cold or does it do it when warm to?

[VTVYHybrid]

Ok I have been working all week and haven't had a chance to look at it yet but. It's gotten so much worse during the week. It now takes about 20-30 seconds of constant power to the starter to get cranking. whilst pushing up and down on the throttle. I'll look at the things mentioned above and report back.

Thanks Fellas

[tdirago]

Have you done anything recently to the engine? When i cleaned my tb and plenum the engine got flooded with carby cleaner and i had to push the pedal down for the engine to start as the engine thinks its flood free or someshit

[lout]

Ok I have been working all week and haven't had a chance to look at it yet but. It's gotten so much worse during the week. It now takes about 20-30 seconds of constant power to the starter to get cranking. whilst pushing up and down on the throttle. I'll look at the things mentioned above and report back.

Thanks Fellas

I thought you had a starting issue, is it a cranking issue or starting issue?