2002 Astra TS convertible cranks, but won't start

[k0m0d067]

So as an update, I pulled the battery from my jeep, and used jumper cables to connect it to the astra's battery...cranked and cranked, and it almost started...fired for a brief moment, then didn't want to fire again...going to grab some starter fluid tomorrow and see if that helps...

Also, a mechanic friend of mine said something about how he can't count the number of times he's found rags in the air intakes, so just for grins, I looked, and sure enough, there was a rag in the intake, just before entering the throttle body (I'm sure that wasn't helping things)

Also, I'm reading that these cars came with an engine immobiliser...any thoughts on how I can tell if that has anything to do with this issue? Would an immobiliser allow it to continue cranking, but not start?

 

[Fu Manchu]

No but the rag would.

 

[Smitty]

No but the rag would.

ABSOLUTELY!

 

[VH3300]

If the immobilizer is active while cracking, you will see the SVS light flickering (car & wrench symbol). If check engine (or SVS) light is on, it could be a cam or crank sensor.

Are the fans operating (cold start) when you turn the ignition on?

 

[k0m0d067]

yeah...dredging up an old thread, but my daughter finally bought a new battery...no luck...still cranks and cranks, but won't fire...so I assume it's spark/timing related (as mentioned earlier, it has fuel pressure)...but knowing nothing about these cars, I'm hoping someone in here can give me a list of items to check, to troubleshoot further? I don't have any diagnostic equipment...I'm just a backyard mechanic at best...

 

[k0m0d067]

If the immobilizer is active while cracking, you will see the SVS light flickering (car & wrench symbol). If check engine (or SVS) light is on, it could be a cam or crank sensor.

Are the fans operating (cold start) when you turn the ignition on?

just saw this reply...will have a look...which fans are you referring to? the AC/heater fans?

 

[k0m0d067]

Disregard...went back out to test the SVS light/check engine light, and neither were behaving as mentioned...but the car kicked over and fired after a bit of cranking...and now starts as it should

Thanks to everyone for all their help...greatly appreciated!