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Opel Corsa (bizarre) starting problem


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mgomes
New User

Apr 1, 2013, 3:53 AM

Post #1 of 3 (2535 views)
Opel Corsa (bizarre) starting problem Sign In

Hi, I have a 2007 Opel Corsa CDTI (diesel, C generation), 120K kilometers, which as a problem starting which nobody seems to be able to resolve: when switching the engine on, the starter begins working but the engine takes a lot of time catching on. When it does, it does so in a way that resembles an old hand cranked car, i.e. it seems to need building up momentum until it eventual catches on with considerable vibration.

As this all seems to cause quite a strain on the starter, engine, etc, I end up switching off after a few seconds and restart again, and then it usually fires up normally, although with an initial "lumpy" idle. It never actually fails to start but it often exhibits this problem. It is more noticeable when starting from cold.

I'm actually looking to sell the car but would like to have this sorted out so that I know the car is 100%. Can somebody help so that I can be better prepared in handling this with the shop I take the car to?


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Apr 1, 2013, 4:19 PM

Post #2 of 3 (2456 views)
Re: Opel Corsa (bizarre) starting problem Sign In

We don't have this car here in the US, so I'm not familiar with their system nor do I have any technical info available to me.

If you take this to a shop, they need to be able to duplicate the problem. What kind of air temp are you considering cold? How long has the car been sitting in order to get it to act up?

A few things that affect diesels more than gasoline engines is the glow plug/ manifold preheater system not working correctly and the check valve for the fuel feed allowing fuel to drain back into the tank. That creates an air pocket after the car has been sitting for a while but no visible leakage. Get air in a diesel line and it will be very difficult to start.

The shop is going to need to keep your car for a bit so they can let it get cold enough to act up. If they test it right when you drive up, everything will test fine.

Thanks for having the integrity to be willing to pay to fix a problem instead of just passing it off to the next guy without a word said about it.


mgomes
New User

Apr 2, 2013, 3:42 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2441 views)
Re: Opel Corsa (bizarre) starting problem Sign In


In Reply To
We don't have this car here in the US, so I'm not familiar with their system nor do I have any technical info available to me.

If you take this to a shop, they need to be able to duplicate the problem. What kind of air temp are you considering cold? How long has the car been sitting in order to get it to act up?

A few things that affect diesels more than gasoline engines is the glow plug/ manifold preheater system not working correctly and the check valve for the fuel feed allowing fuel to drain back into the tank. That creates an air pocket after the car has been sitting for a while but no visible leakage. Get air in a diesel line and it will be very difficult to start.

The shop is going to need to keep your car for a bit so they can let it get cold enough to act up. If they test it right when you drive up, everything will test fine.

Thanks for having the integrity to be willing to pay to fix a problem instead of just passing it off to the next guy without a word said about it.


Thanks for the reply, problem was that this was a fault the car had while still in warranty, but at the time it was rarer and milder. I reported but the Opel dealer said everyting was normal. As the years passed, it slowly got worst. I'ts in again, staying overnight so that they can hopefully diagnose the problem. I suspect they are thourough on their preocess and just check one thing or two and let it be. I'll report back when I get the car back.






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