Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 19:02:19

Title: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 19:02:19
Hello all,

I bought a 99 2.5 V6 Omega about 6 weeks ago. Not had any problems until today. Was wondering if anyone had any advice about the problem. Started the car fine this morning and went to work, came out at lunch and had problems starting, the engine turns over but doesnt fire. As i was quite low on petrol ( imean on fumes) went to the garage and got some petrol. Got back and it turned over and started fine. Travelled around 20 miles and pulled into a shop and turned it off, went back 2 mins later and wouldnt start again. The ECU light isnt flashing when i turn the key and i havnt noticed any lights coming on either. I have read other sites and they have suggested a crank shaft sensor problem, immob problem, fuel pump problem but obviously i dont know, being a mechanical virgin!

If anyone has any ideas that would be great.

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: dbug on 15 September 2008, 19:03:38
Probably crank sensor - do a paperclip test to confirm codes.
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 19:10:33
The rac guy did a couple of tests such as testing for spark and looked at cambelt. As i needed to get it sorted he took it to a garage but unfortuantely the garage doesnt have a diagnostic testing system so he said he would have to do it the "old fashioned way". Im just a bit concerned that the guy will spend hours on it looking at various things and charge me a fortune without getting any results. Is the crank shaft a common thing for mechanics to try, even without knowing codes etc?

Thanks,

James
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: holtender on 15 September 2008, 19:17:53
Does sound like the classic Crank Sensor failure mate, I'd suggest this to the garage before they start looking for other faults.

Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 19:31:16
Thanks for your reply,

What exactly does the crank sensor do (other than not make my car work!)?

J
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: philhoward on 15 September 2008, 19:32:19
I'd get straight back on the RAC because they took it to a garage that have openly admitted they don't know - and whats more have no idea of finding out!

Find a local garage (either by recommendation here) or look for a Vauxhall specialist - but not a dealer - via google, etc. and tell them to take it there.

I guess if its a 99, then its not paperclippable?  If not, will the brake/throttle trick work?

Crank sensor is basically the No.1 culprit for V6's - although there are another 101 possible reasons, sadly...
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 15 September 2008, 19:34:04
Tells the ECU crank positions which means the piston positions ..
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 19:38:16
yeh im beginning to think that myself, unfortunately our nationwide centre cant look at the car for 2 weeks!. I think what i'll do is pick it up from the garage then ring RAC to say its broken down and get free towing to another garage. I guess nowadays u cant tell whats wrong with a car coz of the computer. I dont understand what the paperclip test is though...
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 15 September 2008, 19:42:01
paperclip test

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1189022687
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: philhoward on 15 September 2008, 19:43:20
Sorry James - comment was aimed at people who know about your specific car.  Mine's a different engine and an earlier car, so the fault codes can be read with nothing more than a paperclip.  It might work on yours - but others will be able to tell more than I!

Have a look through the Technical Info section on here to see what the "Paperclip Test" is..if you can count quickly, then it will help!

Edit:  Well done, cem!
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: alexandjen on 15 September 2008, 19:43:45
Quote
yeh im beginning to think that myself, unfortunately our nationwide centre cant look at the car for 2 weeks!. I think what i'll do is pick it up from the garage then ring RAC to say its broken down and get free towing to another garage. I guess nowadays u cant tell whats wrong with a car coz of the computer. I dont understand what the paperclip test is though...

Where abouts are you?
Can you update your profile please :y
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 15 September 2008, 19:51:32
Quote
Sorry James - comment was aimed at people who know about your specific car.  Mine's a different engine and an earlier car, so the fault codes can be read with nothing more than a paperclip.  It might work on yours - but others will be able to tell more than I!

Have a look through the Technical Info section on here to see what the "Paperclip Test" is..if you can count quickly, then it will help!

Edit:  Well done, cem!

 :y
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 15 September 2008, 20:24:14
Hi alexjen,

Im in Grantham Lincs.

Just had a word with my dad who is a mechanic and he said it sounds like the fuel filter has had it and would need replacing, unfortunately he has just had a triple heart bypass so isnt up to the job of fixing any problems.
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: holtender on 15 September 2008, 23:19:29
I know Dad is usually right mate, but I would still check the Crank Sensor first.
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: johnnycboy on 15 September 2008, 23:38:47
Quote
I know Dad is usually right mate, but I would still check the Crank Sensor first.

totally agree - easy fix as well :y
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: Lazydocker on 15 September 2008, 23:41:03
I'd put money on the Crank sensor... About £50 with a trade card and 20 mins to fit :y :y :y
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: Entwood on 15 September 2008, 23:44:34
Quote
Hi alexjen,

Im in Grantham Lincs.

Just had a word with my dad who is a mechanic and he said it sounds like the fuel filter has had it and would need replacing, unfortunately he has just had a triple heart bypass so isnt up to the job of fixing any problems.


With the greatest respect ......  there is not a lot of point in asking for advice here from many folks with vast experience of the miggy (don't include me in that list!!) and then just doing what "dad who was a mechanic" says. No doubt your Dad was/is an excellent mechanic .. but how much experience of the miggy does he have ??

It is your choice what you do .. but changing things "on spec" is usually inconclusive and expensive.

The guys on this forum have saved me a fortune, if they say Crank sensor .. thats the way I would go.

I have no wish to be rude to you or your Dad ... just my thoughts .. nothing more .. :y :y :y
Title: Re: Starting Problems
Post by: jamescropley on 16 September 2008, 09:27:49
Thanks for all your replies, im starting to see a pattern emerge here with the crank sensor lol. As its at a garage now i'll pop down later to discuss it with the mechanic. As i said before, they dont have diagnostic testing so are approaching it a bit blind. Do you think that this would be a thing they would look for before trying anything else?

Cheers