Zafira Starting Issue

[benny3008]

Another vehicle problem, when will it end.... Went out this evening to pop out after the car having Been stood for a few days which it always is between drives recently. car turned over started as normal but almost immediately cut out, it now won't start again, initial thought was *** timing belt snapped but have taken oil filler cap off and camshaft is turning so belt is still in one piece, it is turning over at a good speed and I can hear a very slight popping noise but will not fire, air in the system? Timing belt jumped? Any ideas please. I should add it's a 1.8 petrol.

[tonyav]

Is the spanner light flashing ?, if it is then it's the immobiliser.

[Hopkirk]

Probably flooded now so leave it a long while.

Make sure you lock and unlock the car before trying again, in case it is an immobiliser problem.

I had several similar problems with an Astra. Now whenever it fails to start properly I lock and unlock it again before trying to start it again. I haven't had the problem again.

[benny3008]

No spanner flashing. Will try again in the morning and try locking and unlocking a few times. Cheers

[tonyav]

Just had another thought about it, maybe a dodgy cam shaft sensor.
Had a cam shaft sensor fail on a Calibra 2.0 ( ecotec engine ) years ago.

[benny3008]

Had wondered cam or crank sensor. Just seemed too much of a confidence that it was straight after it cut out on start up. Only cut out due to not havingEnough revs there to keep itself running.

[tonyav]

benny, usually if it's the crank sensor it will start after a few turns of the key. I'd check the cam sensor first if I were you ( both not very expensive ).

[benny3008]

I'll probably replace it regardless, I work in sales at a motor factor so will get the parts pretty cheap anyway. :-)

[tonyav]

Way to go, benny. Good luck.

[benny3008]

Cheers. Think I may need it in the morning when in taking the damn thing apart.

[tonyav]

You'll be ok, benny, both straight forward jobs. When you change the cam sensor be careful not to pinch the cable from it in the cam belt cover when you put it back on.

[tonyav]

benny, while you have the cam belt cover off to change the cam sensor have a look at the timing marks to make sure that the cam belt hasn't slipped a tooth or two.
The 2 camshaft markings align with each other at 3 and 9 o'clock, the crank mark points downward at about half past five and in line with the marking on the cover.

[derekpara]

Blimey, you know your stuff, Tony.

Tnanks on behalf of the many on AB who benefit from your extensive knowledge.

Cheers.

D