starting problem | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered starting problem questions

I realised my 306 TDI was not accelerating beyond 100km/h. On arrival, the car had some difficulty starting. My mechanic then recommended we replace the following - Fuel filter Fuel Pump Serviced the...

My Ford Focus won't start

My Focus will not start at all and displays the error code P0251. Changed the fuel pump and a diesel specialist checked injectors. Confirmed in good condition. Fuel Metering Valve checked, found ok. Run...

Starting issues from cold with a Polo

I have a VW POLO 1.4SE on an 11 plate Starting from cold on two occasions it has failed to start on the first turn of the key. Thereafter it behaves likea car with a flooded carburretor. It turns over...

Thanks for your advice regarding a failed crank position sensor in our Renault Clio.

Just a quick note to thank you for your advice. Having always burst into life at the first turn of the key, our 105,000-mile Renault Clio developed an intermittent starting problem. When this occurred,...

Vauxhall Zafira does not start after front end crash

I've got a 2005 1.6 petrol Zafira. It was in a front end smash and since then it has not run properly and now does not start at all. After I had the front end repaired it ran for a bit then it stuttered...

Vauxhall Corsa won't start

I have a Vauxhall Corsa SXI 1.3CDTI on a 57 plate that is not starting. It's been to Vauxhall who said there is low compression and the valves are damaged. I have had these replaced at my local garage....

My Vectra won't start

I have had my Vectra 1.8 2001 model for around a year and I have had no problems at all until just after Chistmas. About 3 weeks ago I started my journey and about 4 miles down the road I was stopped at...

Cold start trouble with a Volkswagen Beetle

My Beetle 2.0 automatic is very difficult to start on cold mornings, engine cranks well enough, but reluctant to fire. When warm it starts and runs well. New plugs fitted recently, but no better.

Audi A6 smokes in cold weather

My 2004 Audi A6 2.5 TDI (120k miles) smokes big-time on starting in winter. Is this normal?

Micra won't start

My 1995 Micra 1.0l refuses to start. Engine turns over normally but is not firing. Any ideas?