VZ Lumina Powertrain problem

[MMcFly]

Hey everyone. Sorry to just post because my car's crapped itself, but was wondering if someone knows what's wrong with my car.

Went away with work, and came back to my car after a week, and the thing wouldn't start. The battery probably wasn't in the best condition (the auto-lights didn't turn off when we had heavy rain in Melbourne, and the car wouldn't start), so I replaced the old one with a new battery; the car ticks over to start, but doesn't. When it seems like it's going to fire into life, I get a message saying to check the powertrain.

It's been hesitant to start since the battery was drained from the lights not turning off (for a total of one hour), but would always (until now) fire up.

If anyone knows where to start, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[MattMarkey]

maybe alternator is why it isn't starting..
but if the power train error is coming up check ur oil level in ur gearbox.

[Torquative]

power train error is coming up check ur oil level in ur gearbox.

Powertrain can relate to many issues on the VZ. A common fault is related to the oxygen sensors crapped out, but it can be virtually anything related to the power train, namely electronic issues in the engine and gearbox.

It sounds like he's having electrical issues caused by heavy rain.

When I had transmission issues back in Feb my box had virtually NO oil and NO drive, yet NO powertrain issue come up on dash. When I had the Oxy sensor not plugged in properly though different story, the Check Powertrain did light up ... It did however store fault codes for the transmission slipping which were only found when Tech 2 was connected.

[vz23kq]

when i bought my vz champ i has the exact same problem its a killer cause this problem is soo common when the vzs are under heavy rain and that, i took mine to a auto electrition, they no it all i had to change most of the electrics in my commy but just take it to one they will help you out man

[peterrobo]

I'd be checking that your fuel pump is working if I were you. I recently replaced my fuel filter following the service instructions contained on the genuine service manual CD to the letter. Basically the steps involved de-pressurising the fuel lines (before disconnecting the fuel lines at the filter) by removing the correct fuse and relay. After replacing the fuel filter and replacing the fuse and relay it took two attempts to start the vehicle - the first resulting in the engine cranking sequence prolonging for approx five to ten seconds without firing-up and then, because it didn't start the "Check Powertrain" light came on. Next attempt resulted in the engine starting but the "Check Powertrain" remained on.
I managed to clear the "Check Powertrain" by disconnecting the battery, leaving it disconnected for (say) ten minutes then reconnecting it. All has been fine since.

Your case may be similar to mine in that you may not be getting fuel to the injectors to enable a start-up and so the ECM could be telling you to check your electricals to the fuel pump.