I have a 54 Plate (newer shape) Astra 1.7 turbo diesel. Normally it fires straight up and runs fine, but every couple of weeks (we think after we have filled up with fuel) it wont start. The battery has plenty of life, all dash lights come on and off okay, and the engine is trying to turn over but just not firing. After several minutes of trying it suddenly fires up and works fine - except for last night when we abandoned it. Any ideas?

Matt, March 2010

Someone posted this on another site:
so many things it could be that can cause this. a common one will be the common rail pressure sensor giving a false reading. if it doesn't see 10k psi the it won't start. it could have the required pressure but the sensor is duff, or the sensor is right and there isn't enough pressure due to a leaking injector or a duff high pressure pump. it needs someone who can diagnose common rails to investigate it. so many garages just havn't got a clue , plug a code reader in , no codes so shrug shoulders and roll over and die, which is no good for the customer with a car that won't start.

QWales, January 2015

I have a same problem. I have 2004 Vauxhall Astra. It wont start till i spray easy start into the Air filter box, I have to do that every time i will start the car. Please can somebody help me thanks.

Ran, February 2012

sound to me like the fuel filter needs replacing as on servicing garages dont bother you need to specify
when you gey it done.When you fill up its disturbing dirt in bottom of tank /also make sure you use the dearer diesel once every month or 2 as the cheap stuff has less lubricant in it!Thats why a few years back lots of engines seized as the supermarket suppliers were cutting corners.

robert simms, December 2010

I have had similar problem with a Diesel Vectra, turns over but wont fire up especially after being left all night. Turned out to be one of the glowplugs. Reason it was eventually started was heat generated by constantly turning it over. New glow plug about £28.

A concearned bystander, April 2010