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[star_whites]

OK, I asked about how to read fault codes on a 02 plate vauxhall astra of a neighbour a couple of weeks ago and have just gone round and done it for them.

The car was running ok but suddenly cut out on them on a random journey, since then they changed the battery and it started ok. It then had the same random cut out and wont start. It turns over very slowly however not firing.

On doing the pedal test I got fault code 1230 flash out once and that was it, however I cannot find the fault codes for a 02 plate. Does anyone know what they are so I can carry on being the knight in shining armour 

[Broomies Mate]

P1230 Main Relay Circuit Voltage High C-03
P1230 Main Relay Open Circuit C-03

 

[star_whites]

Ok, what does that mean in idiot terms 

[Broomies Mate]

Check the Engine Control Relay and Fuel Pump Relay.

If you want exact locations, I'll go dig out my Astra Haynes Manual.... it may be in there. 

[star_whites]

That would be great if you could. Like I said earlier it does turn over slowly but does not fire. Then battery dies!

[Broomies Mate]

Cant find the bloody manual.

If I remember correctly, it should be in the FuseBox under the bonnet, near the passenger wing/bulkhead.

The two relays you are looking for are next to each other.  Someone with better knowledge of these cars may come along and correct me though 

Use a multi-meter to check the relays, or temporarily swap them for known good ones from a donor car.

While you're under the bonnet, I'd be very inclined to check for a bad earth on the Battery, Alternator and Engine.

Sorry I cant give you any more info at this time.

[star_whites]

Well I've got a tester but I've never used it before so any advice on how to use it!

[Broomies Mate]

Well I've got a tester but I've never used it before so any advice on how to use it!

Not an ideal explanation, but better than nothing for now......

http://www.ehow.com/how_4596906_test-car-relay.html

I'm a little short of time tonight, just fleeting between here and other things.  I'll be able to give better advice tomorrow, but there are loads of people on here with much better knowledge than me.  I'm sure someone will be along shortly 

[star_whites]

Ok, instead of testing these relays I managed to get a couple of known good relays. We replaced them and put the battery on charge until full.

However once charged we turned the engine over for it to sound just about flat again. It turned over a couple of times then stopped and dimmed the lights on the dash. Would you say the battery is fubar??.....as it makes no sense.

Looking at the battery its the original unit so it will be a good 9 yrs old and it is one with a light on it to indicate if charges and it is saying that it is.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Sounds like the battery is donald ducked.

Try jump starting it

[star_whites]

just picked up the jump leads, so will update you shortly

[star_whites]

Ok, we stuck the jump leads on it last night and connected it up to my 3.0. Put 4500 revs on the clock and held it there for a while and it turned over about four or five times and then dimmed the lights and ground to a halt.

Is there such a thing as a slow starter motor as it just appears to turn over very slowly, not with the pace I would expect??  :-?