Whats wrong with my car?

[Holden97]

hello,

I need some help with my car. I have a 1997 VT commodore station wagon. It started perfectly this morning but this afternoon it didn't. It turn overs but doesn't start fully. So it is not the battery and I also don't think it is the alternator (this was replaced in November from an overload of the DVD player, radio and air con going all at the same time!). So what else could it be??

ATM it is in my garage and I need to use it in the morning.

can you help me identify the problem, thank

[Sonnymad]

Hi there

If it turns over and wants to start,but is not,it sounds like a fuel issue,which will most likely point towards a fuel pump,i,m only going of this prognosis in regards to wat you have explained in ur post.

regards sonny

[Holden97]

Thanks Sonny,

so it will need to go to the mechanic for this? Do you know roughly of some costs involved and could it be something else. Can I tell you anymore information??

I will need to get it towed to the workshop :(

How does this problem happen in the first place??

[ASC-07]

Check PM i sent regarding the fuel pump.
Mine cost me $220 fitted for the VP. As i couldn't start
the car i got it towed to an auto electrican but found it was
a bit pricey so i bought myself a RACV membership
which was like $80 a year and you are entitled to
2 or 3 tow trucks a year if needed. (but must travel
no more than 10 km's to destination before you have
to pay by km)

[Sonnymad]

Thanks Sonny,

so it will need to go to the mechanic for this? Do you know roughly of some costs involved and could it be something else. Can I tell you anymore information??

I will need to get it towed to the workshop :(

How does this problem happen in the first place??

The fuel pumps are pretty easy to do on those though if ur not mechanically minded,its gonna be bit tricky,as far as the last one i replaced holden still seel the whole sender unit swirlpot and pump altogther,though after market pumps are cheaper but only come pump only,just be careful for cheap pumps.

regards sonny

[SV8VY]

Check the wiring and make sure it isnt just a cheap relay.
If its an auto and you think its a fuel pump put it in D and turn the key a few times as this will build pressure then back in P to start.You can tap it a few times with the hammer trick also.

[Holden97]

I have looked at what i think is the fuel pump but it maybe the filter (a small silver 10cm round cylinder thing with hoses in each end and arrow pointing which way for fuel). Gave that a few taps but nothing. Could hear no pumping sound either. Did the auto thing of putting into drive and turning the key a few times then try to start. That nearly works but doesn't kick enough for the engine to start.
I have also noticed the oil light goes off and then comes back on after a couple of seconds. I checked the oil and it does seem a bit low. Need to wait a while for the rest of the oil to go into sump properly. Could this cause a problem with the engine mangement system for the car not to start?

[SV8VY]

Fuel pump is on the rear right guard (I think ) on yours.
It should be a tin steel colour.
Maybe you have bad fuel in it.
Take the pump off and replace (after you clamp the 2 hoses)or at least take it off and empty it in a container.You can put your mouth on one end and blow the petrol out and any crap if you cant get your hands on a pump quickly.

[zizou]

I remember ,when my old vp wouldnt start ,a mate of mine over the phone told me to give a good kick to the fuel tank while someone else started the engine ,it worked !! gave me enough time to get the car to a mechanic to change the fuel tank...