Intermittent Starting Issue - Galaxy 1999

[WayneAli]

Hi all, run out of ideas so thought of joining this forum to get some fresh input.

 

I have a 1999 Galaxy 2.3 Ghia, which has an intermittent starting issue, when it does start it starts and runs perfectly. However, over the last two months, there have been occasions when if I run the car and then turn off for a short period then return to start (Ie: petrol refills, school drop off's etc) it will not start again- engine will crank but not fire. There is no rhyme nor reason to starting it again, sometimes I can simply remove the key, try again and it will fire, other times I can try and try for half hour and it will eventually fire up - again once going it runs fine.

 

Here are some of the things I have tried.

 

Calling the AA:

• First visit - they checked all fuses - all were fine.
• Spark plugs were removed and found to be dry.

• Removed and cleaned the Cam Position Sensor, cleaned and replaced - The car started.

   

The issue continued, I removed the sensor myself as advised by the AA, cleaned and replaced but did not make a difference, I think this was a red herring.

 

Second AA visit.

• Ran cumputer diagnostic check which returned no faults.
• Checked fuses again - again all good.
• Check wiring diagrams an found Relay 30 powers the MAF meter, checked power to MAF which was good so confirmed not an issue with Relay 30.
• Again wiring diagrams showed pump relay powers Fuse18 - this had power so ruled out pump relay issue.
• Got under the car hit the fuel tank - car started. AA guy told me that it was a sticky pump.

Today I replaced the fuel pump with a known working pump off of a 'donor' Galaxy I have - made no difference.

 

A few thing I have noticed:

• when the car is not starting, the led on the drivers door comes on for 4-5 seconds then starts to flash rapidly (when the car does start it comes on then goes out after the 4-5 seconds and remains out)
• When the car is not starting, the fuel pump does not prime when the ignition is turned on (when the car runs and starts fine, the pump can be heard priming/whirring for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on)
• Again, no apparent reason for failing, it can happen after a 50 mile trip or a 1 mile trip, occurs day and night, wet or dry, hot or cold. ope I'm not about to tempt fate - but the only time I have not had an issue is first start in the morning.
• I have had a look at the inertia fuel cut off switch under the front passengers seat and this seems to be operating fine.
• If the engine does not fire, immediately after releasing the key from turning over there are 3 beeps that can be heard from the fuse box area.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated as I am finding myself a little more than stumped.

 

Many thanks in advance, W

[WayneAli]

Just a couple of additional things,

 

The first AA guy tried spraying cold start into the air intake - no difference.

 

Also, when I got it running today after changing the fuel pump, i started and turned off fine several times without fault. I then intentially stalled the car to see if this would trigger anything and the problem returned, I have tried this a couple of times this evening and it seems that stalling does trigger the problem.

 

It seems that the only way to get it to start is to leave it for a while (sometimes a minute, other times an hour)

 

Finally (for the time being), bumping the car does not have any effect and will not start i when problem is occuring.

[WayneAli]

Ok, had a couple of issues again yesterday. Decided against what the AA had advised and when back to the drawing board, stripped down the fuse box (to the third layer :() in order to get to relay167 (pump) and the main relay30. Took them both out, one little tap each, car started fine. I've now unclipped them from the holder so they are now hanging down and just accessible from the foot well with the fusebox back together.

 

Second time around, I was able to give relay 167 a little tap and the car started. £5 on ebay and hopefully should be sorted.

[SilverBeast]

These often have a bad solder joint inside. They can be opened up and have the joints reflowed if you are used to soldering. Edited July 30, 2013 by SilverBeast

[gizmo.john]

don't waste money and time on ebay as in time they will be the same as yours just take a look at yours and solder the joints and it will solve your problem.

[Big-W]

I have the same symptoms with my 99 2.3 but only when cold. engine cranks over for a few seconds then when key released red light on door lights up and get a constant beep. if i turn the key completely back and try again it starts, no lights or beeping and drives ok.

This morning it started up but seemed to miss fire a few times and as i was reversing of drive noticed that the red light was flashing. stopped the car, turned the ignition all the way off and restarted again no lights or beeps and drove of ok.  Very puzzling as I said havent had this when engine is warm????

[stuart2112]

relay 30 replacement fixed mine after paying for a computer guy to look into it he got it running but wouldent start in the morning i went to a parts place that had relay 30 but a voltswagon part and did it myself it fired up first time