1992 2.0 16v Cali starting problem

[londonzombie]

Hi Guys, I did post this in the Engine section, but I think we are looking more elctrical now..... The story is this.

Bought the car about a month ago with various problems, one of which was starting, It always starts but mainley on the second attempt. Its very rare if it to start first time..... Anyway

I turn the key round, I get all the expected lights come on and then go out. Then turn the key round to start her up. it sounds like its turning over a couple of times and then all the lights go out and then flick back on, at the same time the starter seems to die and then spring back into life.

It will do this any number of times before it will start.
So far I have replaced the following :

Starter Motor
HT Leads
Dizzy Cap
Rotor Arm
Spark Plugs
Battery

If anyone can help I would love to hear from you as Ive now run out of things to look at, Also if anyone hs the same problem please let me know so I can let people know when we figure it out....

Sorry for the long post guys, Ill let you get back to your lunch now
Cheers
Mark

[ROG]

Could be the alternator not charging the battery enough, if the engine light is not on before you turn the key, it could be the fuel pump relay, difficult starting can also be the coolant temp sensor, also check the batter earths to the engine and power feed to starter motor.

[SukySaggi]

Also try checking the wiring to the fuel pump. I remember this being mentioned before sometime.

[jayl645]

hi i put a post up about a week ago as im getting the same as u turnes over then stoppes and the lights go dim then all of a sudden it all kicks in again and starts fine,it still does it i thought it was the battery being weak or something so i got a new battery and its still the same(wasted £50),i was told it could be the earth strap that gos from the gearbox to the body of the car?????,i looked and i could not find mine,i dont think i have 1 so my next plan is to use a jump lead from the gear box to the body to see if that solves the problem,my cars the 8v,if u do sort it out can u let me know thanks jay,
have u got a earth strap from the gearbox? its worth having a look

[londonzombie]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the replys.

I had a word with a friend of mine who is a vauxhall mech, He reckons
its common for the starting/charging loom to be at fault.
Due to breaks in cables and general bad connections.

Ill take a look this week end for the earthing between the engine block, Gearbox and such.

Interestingly enough, I thought I would try pumping the gas a few times before starting the car, This does seem to work to a certain extent, well it makes it better, Possibly the wiring to the fuel pump then......

Ill take a look this weekend and let you know.
Cheers
Mark

[jayl645]

can u keep us updated on this post m8 as i have the same problem and its doing my head in,thanks jay

[londonzombie]

Hi Guys, Sorry but I had to work this weekend so I didnt get to try any of the things I was going to....

Cheers
Mark

[jayl645]

hi,have u had a chance to source the problem out yet ive tryed everything i can think of and still no joy its doing my head in,ive got a nice looking cali and im scared to start it when people are around,(and thats not good),

[londonzombie]

Hi guys sorry for not coming back sooner,

Right, I have tried a few things since last time...

1, I tried putting a jump lead from the Battery negitive on to the engine casing.
That made no change.
2, I tried putting the jump lead onto the neg of the alternator.
No change
3, Took the alternator neg lead off the body and placed direct onto the battery.
No change
4, This is the only thing that is promising... I tried starting the car up and switching it off about ten times one after the other. By the tenth go the car starts up straight away with no problems at all!!

However I cant see any reason why this would make a difference, Its like something is warming up and then working.

Oh have also tried different ways of giving the car a bit more gas on startup, IE tapping the pedel a few times before startup.. that did nothing

So if anyone has any suggestions on what to look for now please please please let us know.

Also the guys that are having the same problem as me can you try starting it loads of times to see if by the end the problem goes away, then we know we all have the same problem.......

Many thanks in advance.
Mark

[fatbloater78]

hi london i had the same prob with my 8v cally it turned out to be the fule pump relay only cost about £12 worked fine after the person who told me said it was common problem and it takes all of 5 minits to sort hope this helps

[londonzombie]

Hi Guys, I got a new Fuel pump relay today, However I looked in the Manual to see where it is located and it says its in the engine bay fuse box, Thats fine but I dont have a box there ?

I have seen pictures of some cars on here that dont either so I dont think its a problem but does anyone know where it is located if you dont have this box ?

Thanks in advance!
Mark

[STEVEN MAYHEW]

Hi there,
Ive worked on a Calibra of your year range and found the fuel pump relay was near the ecu behind the drivers footwell kick panel, It should be there if it's not in the engine bay relay box. Have you had the ignition switch checked? Your symptoms are making me think there is a dead spot in the switch unit on the end of the barrell.

[jayl645]

my relay is bright blue(u cant miss it),if thats any help

[londonzombie]

Hi guys, Well fitted the relay today, As expected no diference!

The ignition is sounding more likely, Is there any way I can check this ?
Anyway the test without having a replacement ?

Thanks for all your suggestions so far guys.... However the running bills is starting the pile up

CHEERS
M

[STEVEN MAYHEW]

The only way you can check this is with a test lamp. Make sure there is a good feed into the switch (12V). Then when you put the key to position II, put the lamp on the solder connection for term II and see if the 12V is coming out. Give the unit a wiggle and a tap to see if the current flow is disrupted. If this happens it highly likely this is your problem. When using the test lamp, make sure you have a good earth point. See how you go.