Another Astra with starting problems!

Another Astra with starting problems!

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Discussion

barrie123

Original Poster:

2 posts

130 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
Hi
I have been reading through the numerous posts relating to Astra starting problems but haven’t found one outlining the symptoms my car is experiencing. Like most I was hoping somebody may have come across a similar problem, and hoping even more it was easily fixed before I call out a garage.

The car is a 2008 V Astra 1.4 16v Breeze with just over 60,000 miles. A few weeks ago I noticed the radio stations starting jumping every couple of minutes whilst driving and the volume kept increasing. On one particularly cold morning the central locking also activated twice whilst I was driving to work. I then left the radio off and the locking fault never reoccurred. I assumed it was a radio fault and as the car is due a service in the near future I thought I would wait until then to ask about the problem. Then this morning (very icy) I tried to start the car and it just clicked (a couple of seconds apart). All the different warning lights illuminated but none were flashing. I tried a couple of times with same result. Also when I tried to lock the car the remote central locking was no longer working. Headlights and cabin instruments seem to be working, however.

I have disconnected the battery for 30 mins to reset the ECU (read this on the forum) and the door locks starting working again but when I tried to start the car the same clicking occurred and the locks stopped working again. I removed and reconnected the negative lead again and the locks started working again. I have checked for ECN error code on dash display and this is showing 00000. I have only been able to check fuses this evening by torch light and although they seemed OK I intend to check them again in the morning in case my eyesight is letting me down.

I thought this may be a damp electrical problem exasperated by the freezing conditions, in which case, it will be off to the garage. Can anybody suggest any other quick checks/processes worth trying first?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Locknut

653 posts

144 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
A weak or faulty battery would explain everything except the radio.

barrie123

Original Poster:

2 posts

130 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
Thanks Locknut - really appreciate your input.

Feel a bit silly for not trying to jump the car earlier but I think I was managing to get distracted by the radio and central locking issue from last week. Probably just a coincidence. I'll give it a bash in the morning and update with a result.