Hi,
My car broke down just after i pulled out of a car park in second gear, the engine just cut out and the alternator, petrol and engine light came on.

I then switched off the ignition, then tried to start it again. The car turned over once then the starter motor just kept going without the engine firing up or starting, all that happens is the alternator belt moves with the starter motor.

I got a friend to tow me at about 15mph then tried to bump start and nothing happens.

Any ideas on what could be the problem?

Thanks

Daniel Fenton, August 2009

my 1997 1.2 corsa cut out at a junction it seemed like i stalled it. i was told it was the fuel pump relay switch witch i changed. it worked fine for a while then went wrong again. now the car wont start can anybody help.

elliot, July 2011

Update: Just checking the timing chain, no problems there it is nice and tight. Replaced the spark plugs anyway just as a general maintenance thing.

One thing though, we tried turning it over with the HT leads disconnected and it made the same noise and did exactly the same thing. Could it be a dodgy ignition system?

Thanks

Dan, August 2009

is there an easy way to check this? i had a friend look at it and he said it's not a problem, he fitted the old timing chain about 4 months ago.

Thanks

Dan, August 2009

In all cases of sudden death the first thing to check is the cam belt/chain.

stennie, August 2009