Car won't start within (say) 45 mins of a previous journey.

2000 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 16v SXI
Car: Vauxhall Corsa
Year: 2000
Variant: 1.2 16v SXI
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Someone's help on this would be very much appreciated.

My car usually starts with no problems and runs perfectly well for its age/distance travelled (95k miles).

A few months ago I noticed a problem in that if I returned to my car within around 45 mins of a previous journey, it would not start. There are no obvious faults showing on the instrument panel, all lights appear to be present and correct; and the EMS light does not show itself when the car is running.

The engine sounds as if it is going to start, but it never actually fires up. When left alone for a while, it then starts and it runs as if there isn't a problem.

It will always start first thing in the morning.

To try the obvious, I have finally found time to give it a bit of a home service:
Changed the oil, oil filter, air filter and all four spark plugs (sparks were a little worn to say the least).

The problem persists and I am unsure where to take it from here.

Has anyone had the same problem?
Or can anyone think of a potential solution?

Thanks...

Problem added: Jun 2, 2008 (15 years ago)
got same problem with my skoda fabia, it wont start when its warm. took it to garage and they changed the lamda sensor and charged me £250, proplems persists. taking it back next week so let you know,
Answered Jun 7, 2008 (15 years ago)
I am trying a few things on this so will keep this post up to date in order to help anyone else with this problem.

I have just taken delivery of a new ignition coil pack and should get the opportunity to fit it later this evening.

If this fails, I have read that it could be a compression problem in the main bulk of the engine. The fix is to change the cylinder heads which is an extremely tricky job and far beyong my own capability. The propotion of the engine that needs to be dismantled just to gain access is imense and I can imagine it would take a garage a full days labour, possibly two, at least to do this. Pricey!!
Answered Jun 9, 2008 (15 years ago)
Well it's not the ignition coil!!
Answered Jun 11, 2008 (15 years ago)
My daughter had this problem with starting her 1.2 16v sxi had the AA out to it he found the air flow meter to be sticking so bought a cheap copy of this and the car would start but not run right i then got a second hand bosch meter and the car is going fine now touch wood hope this helps.
Answered Nov 30, 2008 (15 years ago)

This problem is archived

If you're having a similar problem please click below to re-post this problem, you can then customise it to suit your situation.

Helpful & Related Pages on AutoInsider

More problems with the 2000 model year Vauxhall Corsa

We have 107 problems and solutions in our database for this model year of the car.

View all Vauxhall Corsa Problems