Check power train and all the associated problems

[frustrated vz taxi operat]

Hi everyone
Has anyone worked out what the problem is with the check power train problem? After having paid considerable $$$$$s and no fix on the problem, my 2005 VZ now will not start 99% of the time, and when it does, none of the gears work until it's idled (presumably warmed up) for at least 5 minutes. Things that the "expert" mechanics have "fixed" so far include CO2 sensors (numerous times), spark plugs (also numerous times), transmission module (twice), fuel injectors, radiator, fuel pump ... yadayadayada ... After all these "fixes" the problem goes away for about 1000 - 2000 kms, then comes back worse than before.
I'm fed up - have replaced car with a Ford that is running like a dream, but would still like the Crummydore to go ... at the moment, it's worthless.
Help PLEASE!!!!!!!

[andyman]

what error codes are being produced? it appears you have been delt with guess mechanics,

how many km's are on it?

[frustrated vz taxi operat]

Have taken it to the local Holden dealer most times. They generally discover heaps of codes, supposedly work through them all and then try a new trick. I have asked them many times if they have actually been in touch with HO or other dealers - doubt it, they just love to charge me for all the time and parts, I'm sure.
Car now has 330,000 clicks on it, but these problems have been there since before 100,000kms. Like I said, they clear the codes, replace something each time, and it goes like a beaut again for a while.
Now, most mornings I can't even start the darn thing - that's why I had to get something else on the road.
Have since taken it to an independent guy who has run the computer checks etc, but is he is (quite rightly) unwilling to replace any parts because it all has been tried before.
There has to be an underlying problem which is now affecting not only the start-up, but the transmission. I'm not a mechanic, I'm a taxi driver - but I do know there is something badly wrong with the car and Holden so far have been as helpful as ...
Not impressed at all with Holden at the moment - sad, but this is not the first time I've had problems that Holden has either misdiagnosed (being nice) or completely ignored (being realistic) until it costs megabucks to fix.

[andyman]

have they tried another ecm in it, to see if it eliminates errors? just curious, whe it is running, how does it go after 330,000? does it burn oil etc, does the drivetrain generally seem sloppy mechaincally besides the issues it has,

im guessing its probably running factory gas setup,

id be checking over the wiring harnesses for if a gas set up has been put on and wires havnt been joined, or wires that have been spliced not sealed correctly and earthing out....

[frustrated vz taxi operat]

Thanks.
I'll get the independent guy to look at all those and let you know the outcome.
No, it's not factory gas, but the only way to get it started some mornings is to force it to start on gas rather than petrol (ie, start on gas when cold). It runs like a hairy goat until engine has warmed up, but after that is generally ok for the rest of the day.
Generally, when car is going, it's still great - that is, when it's had its weekly code clearance etc! The drivetrain (I think I know what you're talking about!) is still ok, except for a distinct clunk in the change from 2nd-3rd - this problem also disappears for a while after code clearance. No major burning of oil - just the normal oil changes on regular services. If we could sort out these major dramas, I'd probably be happy to use the car as my private vehicle for a year or two - but I really need a car that I know will start when I finish a shift at 3am or something ...
Thanks for you help - I'll definitely let you know how I go - it should help out quite a few others who seem to be running into the same problems. Wonder how many of them are running dual fuel? Also, wonder how many kms? I'd be guessing that mine has done significantly more than the majority of same models ...
Cheers

[andyman]

Thanks.
I'll get the independent guy to look at all those and let you know the outcome.
No, it's not factory gas, but the only way to get it started some mornings is to force it to start on gas rather than petrol (ie, start on gas when cold). It runs like a hairy goat until engine has warmed up, but after that is generally ok for the rest of the day.
Generally, when car is going, it's still great - that is, when it's had its weekly code clearance etc! The drivetrain (I think I know what you're talking about!) is still ok, except for a distinct clunk in the change from 2nd-3rd - this problem also disappears for a while after code clearance. No major burning of oil - just the normal oil changes on regular services. If we could sort out these major dramas, I'd probably be happy to use the car as my private vehicle for a year or two - but I really need a car that I know will start when I finish a shift at 3am or something ...
Thanks for you help - I'll definitely let you know how I go - it should help out quite a few others who seem to be running into the same problems. Wonder how many of them are running dual fuel? Also, wonder how many kms? I'd be guessing that mine has done significantly more than the majority of same models ...
Cheers

lol mines got 85,000,

if its not factory gas, ill place my bet on 80% a screw has gone through a wiring loom, or part of the wiring has rubbed through or bad connections when the gas was fitted, for that many errors to occur,

i thinking thats the most feasable reason mainly cause ive seen it quite a few times from aftermarket installs,


also pay particular attention to the part of the wiring loom that runs at the back of the motor, as it carries the wires for most of the components you just mentioned

[frustrated vz taxi operat]

Still no answer to issues - but mechanic has been away for the past few weeks. He's going to give it another go on Monday. Will ask him to check the wiring loom(s) and see if that's an issue. He wasn't the installer, so maybe he'll be more willing to look seriously for a problem (ie, wasn't his fault!)
Cheers