Calling a tow truck or towing a car when it stalls on the road is usually too expensive. It will not be possible to carry out diagnostics on the road without special equipment. In addition, in most cases, the reasons that the Opel Astra does not start do not lie in an electronics failure.
The reasons for the complete lack of response of the power unit to attempts to start it can be very different. First, you need to determine the original source of this problem, after which you can figure out what can be done next.
Engine compartment of Opel Astra H with Z18XER engine (sedan)
Frightening reality
Sometimes a motorist is faced with the fact that the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn. What to do in such a situation? Some are starting to panic, and for good reason. Towing or using a tow truck is not a very profitable idea if the car is located far from service centers. It is impossible to diagnose a “swallow” and decode errors while being hundreds of kilometers from the city: electronic mechanisms do not provide this opportunity. In most cases, the reasons for this behavior turn out to be much more serious.
When the electronics are to blame for the fact that the Opel Astra N does not start
Faulty control electronics are an obvious cause of starting problems. However, the lack of a self-diagnosis system on Opel Astra H cars makes searching for them using improvised means impossible. Therefore, if the Opel Astra N does not start, in order to identify a faulty sensor or an incorrectly functioning part, you will have to go to a workshop that has the necessary diagnostic equipment. To ensure that the machine can get to the workshop under its own power, in most cases the electronics, in the event of a breakdown, switches to working according to a backup program. So, if the check engine light comes on on the panel, the car has lost dynamics for no apparent reason or fuel consumption has increased - go for diagnostics, you shouldn’t wait long. Or buy the necessary equipment and carry out the diagnostics yourself to find out for sure why the problem occurred with your Opel Astra N!
What does the situation look like in practice?
You can draw a conclusion about the presence of problems when the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not spin, based on several characteristic factors:
- The car does not respond to the owner's actions.
- Poor cold starting is observed.
- “When it’s hot,” a similar reaction occurs.
It is necessary to understand in more detail the problem of why the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn, and find a way to fix it.
Buying a used car through an auction
This option of buying a used car is a type of buying a car abroad, which needs to be discussed separately. This is a relatively new option for buying a used car; it came to us with the advent of the Internet and now continues to gain popularity.
You can now buy anything you want on the Internet; moreover, online shopping in Russia is just developing. This fashion has not bypassed the automobile market either; now, to buy a car in Europe, the USA or Japan, you do not have to go there personally; to do this, you just need to buy a used car at an online auction, pay for delivery and wait a little. In just a couple of months you will be able to evaluate your new acquisition.
The main disadvantage of this method of buying a used car is its low reliability. First, you transfer a small advance amount to the account of the selected auction, then, after purchasing a suitable car at the auction, you pay the entire cost of the car, plus delivery costs to the Russian Federation. If the auction is in the states, then the car will have to travel halfway around the world to get to you, so you will receive it in no less than 3 weeks. Unfortunately, only then will you be able to inspect and touch what you paid a tidy sum for, and until now you will have to be content with only an assessment of the car’s condition and a few photos with approximately the following content:
In other words: nothing prevents the recipient of your money from disappearing and stopping responding to your requests. Nothing but his reputation. Therefore, be careful when choosing a company to which you entrust your funds. You can buy a used car in this way, but only if you are completely confident in the reliability of those partners who will carry out the purchase, as well as deliver your car from auction to your doorstep.
When planning and paying for transportation, do not forget to insure your new property. The cost of insurance is only 1-2%, but at the same time it allows you to protect your car on the long journey to its new home. It is better not to skimp on insurance, since it is during transportation that the likelihood of damage or complete loss of the vehicle is greatest.
This method of purchase has certain advantages, the main one of which is the price of the car. Even taking into account our exorbitant import duties, the cost of a car purchased at an auction abroad may be significantly lower than when purchasing a similar car in our domestic market.
In fact, at an auction everything is decided by chance. The seller tells the auction site the minimum price for which he is willing to part with his old steel horse, and buyers, in turn, indicate their maximum price threshold. If today is your day, then none of the applicants will pay attention to “your” car and you can get it for pennies. Therefore, it makes sense to try your luck several times; sooner or later it will smile on you.
Choose those online auction sites that are known to be the most reliable. There is a whole category of experienced car owners who buy all their cars exclusively abroad through online auctions. These people can be found on forums dedicated to automotive topics; as a rule, they are open to communication and are ready to help a newbie with advice on which auction is the most reliable way to buy a car and how best to do it.
An important characteristic of the auction site is the objectivity of assessing the condition of the car put up for sale.
If too many buyers receive cars from a given auction of lower quality than stated in the auction sheet, then it is better to turn your attention to other trading platforms
In addition to everything, when buying a car at an auction, all the above-mentioned advantages of buying a car abroad apply, for example, the “right-hand drive” Japanese are famous for their very high level of reliability, the “Americans” are distinguished by the highest level of equipment and comfort, and the “Germans” combine all the best qualities and are practically free of drawbacks.
Briefly about the reason
In this issue, the current cause is a dead battery. A non-functioning battery is directly related to a defective flywheel. Before carrying out diagnostic procedures in the unit, it is necessary to check the condition of the battery structure. There is a high probability of urgent recharging or buying a new one.
The second factor affecting the operation of the power unit system is a malfunction of the alarm system. When wondering why the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn, the reasons can be found in the blocking of the starter circuit. This occurs when voltage parameters are 10 V or below this mark. It is important to keep the battery charge level under control and charge it periodically. Let’s say the device is in order, what then?
Problems specific to diesel Astras
- First of all, these include problems with the fuel system. Low-quality diesel fuel significantly complicates the life of many Astra owners with a diesel unit. Diesel fuel is divided into winter and summer - this is also important to remember. Dirt contained in large quantities in diesel fuel also creates problems over time.
- Violation of the tightness of the fuel system also leads to numerous problems. Low-quality fuel greatly shortens the life of the injectors.
- A malfunction of the fuel injection pump immediately leads to a malfunction of the fuel supply system and problems with starting. To measure the pressure on the Opel Astra H ramp there is a special fitting to which a pressure gauge can be connected.
- The rather high cost of repairing diesel power units is the flip side of their supposed cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Most of all, these motors do not like downtime.
We can stop there. Experienced car owners have probably noticed the superficiality of the above tips. This is mainly done in order not to provoke readers to carry out independent treatment of their cars, since this usually does not lead to good.
The car refuses to start
If there are no problems with the battery, if the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn, the causes of the malfunction will have to be looked for elsewhere. The engine has stopped functioning, what should I do? Auto mechanics give good advice in this case:
- It is necessary to check the presence of electric current in the on-board network. It's easy to find out: turn the key in the ignition and look at the indicator arrows. In the absence of their “signs of life,” there is no current. A multimeter comes into the diagnostic business, checking whether there is current in the battery. Without a meter, you can use a carrying lamp, synchronizing it with the battery contacts.
- Without finding any breakdowns in this segment, the search for the reason why the Opel Astra does not start and the starter does not turn (it is not so easy to find a solution to the problem) will continue. You can check the connection of the battery terminals. If they are connected incorrectly, the relay blocks the functionality of the electrical circuits.
- You should look at the fuses, starting with the interior fuses and ending with those located under the hood. Burnt out options need to be replaced. The difficulty lies in the different locations of fuses on models of the automaker from Germany: it’s good to have a diagram on hand, keep a diagram in the glove compartment.
- The culprit of the troubles may be a non-standard anti-theft system. Only the specialists who were involved in its installation will be able to suggest ways out of the situation. The best solution is to try to turn it off.
- The ignition switch group is acting up. By removing the steering column cover, the driver can easily access this structure. Most often, its fixation is based on a pair of screws coupled with a pin. The main thing here is to monitor the terminal connector: the tightness of its fastening is important. Crunches and clicks will indicate “illnesses” of the system. Using the electrical circuit, it is easier for the motorist to find the optimal solution, so it should always be in the glove compartment.
- There is current, the lights indicate serviceability, but the hood is silent. The reason why the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn, is the unreliable fixation of the starter wires due to the failure of the electromagnet. At first, there are malfunctions in its operation, a barely perceptible knock is heard. There is no way you can delay servicing this device. The clicking of the solenoid relay, while the starter does not rotate, indicates a voltage shortage in the vehicle's electrical network or a malfunction of the relay. It is impossible to check the voltage indicator yourself, since a load plug is required. An alternative solution could be a working battery. This will help to finally remove suspicions or confirm the problem.
The starter turns
This can happen due to the immobilizer, which often “does not see” the key, which is immediately indicated by a flashing “check”. The main reasons are a dead battery or interference, which are not uncommon in large cities. The battery, of course, will need to be replaced and communication with the immobilizer restored.
Next, if the starter turns, but the engine does not show any signs, you should measure the pressure in the injection system. It is clear that this requires special equipment, although the very presence of pressure can still be established. Having unscrewed the valve cap on the fuel rail, you can press the nipple with a screwdriver, and if there is pressure, gasoline will splash out heavily.
If gasoline does not spray out, but only slowly begins to flow out, then there may be no pressure due to a failed pressure regulator or a faulty fuel pump.
Afterwards, if the car does not start, you can try checking the spark plugs and the presence of a spark. In this case, you should act with extreme caution and only wear dielectric gloves or use pliers with insulated handles! If something accidentally falls onto a ground, body, or open area of the body, there may be an electric shock!
A drop in cylinder compression to a critically low level can also affect starting, but first you need to check the viscosity of the engine oil. If coolant or gasoline gets into it, then most likely you will have to prepare for serious repair measures.
The most unpleasant diagnosis is that if the starter works, there is ignition and power, but the car, nevertheless, does not start, there is a high probability of the timing drive breaking. If everything is fine with the drive, then you can try to check the installation of the marks.
Recommendations from auto mechanics
Often, in search of answers to a sore subject about why the Opel Astra does not start, the starter does not turn, fixing the problem comes down to checking the viscosity of the oil in the engine. A decrease in its level leads to a drop in compressors. There is a high probability that the lubricant will need to be replaced. A drop in compression in the cylinders causes a failure of the hydraulic compensators responsible for regulating valve clearances. Why is this even happening? Low quality of a product is not yet a special reason to worry. By changing the oil and changing the oil filter, the problem can be solved without going to a car repair shop for expensive debugging.
Another thing is that coolant and gasoline get into the oil. A forced check of this node will follow with the upcoming selection of a correction technique.
Thread: Thermostat won't start?
Yes, most likely it didn’t corrode, it’s just that antifreeze got inside and shorted the sensor. It happens that the problem is not even in the sensor itself, but simply antifreeze gets into the connector and shorts it out; just remove the connector and blow it with air
the case is filled with thermally conductive paste of the KPA-8 type and there is not a resistor there, but a diode
Maybe so, but you can’t dry it inside and you can’t put it back together.
I faced the same problem. This morning the car wouldn't start. I replaced the coolant temperature sensor, the problem was solved, but... for 30 minutes! The computer again showed “Overheating” and the fan turned on.
Can you please suggest alternative solutions to this issue?
I faced the same problem. This morning the car wouldn't start. I replaced the coolant temperature sensor, the problem was solved, but... for 30 minutes! The computer again showed “Overheating” and the fan turned on.
Can you please suggest alternative solutions to this issue?
so maybe it’s not the sensor, but the thermostat is really in the wedge and where did you change the sensor on the radiator or thermostat housing
At first the radiator simply turned on. Based on the diagnostic results, I replaced the thermostat housing (1338372). The problem has disappeared. Two weeks later the computer showed “Overheating”, I replaced the coolant temperature sensor (1338370). After the replacement (half an hour later), the overheating story repeated itself.
Who has options (experience) for solving the problem?
We are not interested in the number where the sensor on the radiator or thermostat housing was changed
First we replaced the thermostat housing, then the radiator
they changed the wrong sensor, you need to change the sensor on the thermostat housing (the large plastic part where the thermostat is screwed on) they seem to be the same as the sensor on the radiator
But you didn’t change the housing, but the thermostat with heaters
Initially I replaced the part from this topic https://astraclub.ru/threads/105220-T. EP-XEL-LET-FAQ Then the sensor near the radiator (L-shaped). As they explained to me, he is responsible for the temperature indicator on the instrument panel.
How to solve the "overheating" problem?
Initially I replaced the part from this topic https://astraclub.ru/threads/105220-T. EP-XEL-LET-FAQ Then the sensor near the radiator (L-shaped). As they explained to me, he is responsible for the temperature indicator on the instrument panel.
How to solve the "overheating" problem?
Well, you're stubborn, I wrote that the sensor they changed was the wrong one; the sensor on the thermostat body is responsible for the temperature on the tidy; it's the same L-shaped message 2 first picture detail 3 of the topics you brought
in further drawings detail 34 \29\ 9
put the one you took off the radiator there
Source
About the emergency start method
A broken auto starter is not a very serious reason to panic. It is not forbidden to immediately start the engine “directly”. How does this look on Lada 110?
- Neutral gear is engaged. The car is put on the handbrake.
- You need to turn on the ignition and open the hood.
- The air filter will need to be removed.
- The contact group chip is disconnected.
- Use a screwdriver or a piece of wire to short-circuit the flywheel terminals.
Now you can continue your journey. Repairing the starter system is far from an easy process. The technicians at the service station will carry out competent diagnostics, making sure that there is a problem before disassembling. They will be determined by several signs: the drive coupling along the shaft does not rotate well, the drive gear rotates against the direction of the anchor rotation. The operating traction relay clicks and the drive clutch moves forward. Otherwise, the element will need to be replaced. With the help of professionalism and skill of servicemen, the repair problem will be quickly solved.
Three steps to decide
Whether you should give up a second car or give up car ownership entirely is a difficult question, the answer to which may be different for each of us. After all, there are too many secondary reasons that influence whether it makes sense to give up using your vehicle.
To help you answer this question more quickly, we have outlined the factors that you should determine for yourself in order to decide whether to own your car or not:
1. Determine for yourself the three main expenses for owning a car, add another 30,000 rubles to the resulting amount and divide by 12. Determine the most significant basic costs that are associated with operating a car. Sum up all your expenses for the year based on these three criteria. Add 30,000 rubles for unforeseen expenses (repairs, fines, etc.). Divide everything by 12 months.
An alternative option for calculating expenses. Write down all your car expenses for a month or quarter. Choose a month or three months during which you will record all your car expenses. This way you will find out your real expenses, contrary to your subjective opinion. The result of your calculations should be the average monthly budget that you spend on owning a car.
2. Select a month in which, as an experiment, you will completely or partially give up your car in favor of other methods of transportation. For example, you will travel by public transport and taxi. Record all your expenses when using public transport. Don't skimp on transport. If you need to get somewhere, even for a short distance, then do not deny yourself a trip by public transport. Also use taxi services.
3. Compare the two budgets you spent: on a car and on traveling by public transport. If you end up spending significantly more on public transportation than you spend on your car per month, then giving up car ownership may not be an option for you.
Ultimately, not all of us will be able to give up our car. And there's nothing wrong with that. This is fine. However, owning a car can be very taxing on the family budget. Often the whole family suffers because of this. Think about it. Maybe your family budget does not yet allow for the opportunity to own a car. After all, there are much more important necessary expenses than spending the last of your money on the maintenance and upkeep of a vehicle.
Is it possible to live without a car these days?
Cars have begun to play an important role in our lives. Many of us cannot imagine how we can live without a car. They have become a way of life for us and indispensable assistants in everyday life. But is it?
We all enjoy the freedom that cars give us. But their price on the car market and the cost of regular maintenance place a significant burden on the family budget. However, not every one of us can refuse to use a car if there is a heavy load on our wallet. For most, this seems like a disaster.
Many people cannot even imagine how they will live without a car. We invite you to find out how you can get by without a car and what advantages appear if you decide to give it up.
In fact, in many Russian cities you can get by without a car. Yes, of course, there are settlements where you can’t live without a personal vehicle. But there are many places in our country where there is nowhere to go, since everything is nearby. However, despite this, many people still buy cars and sit in traffic jams for hours to drive a few kilometers to work or to the store.
We are sure that in such places people have often thought about why they need a car. So what happens if we give up our car?
Buying a used car from advertisements
It is not for nothing that the method of buying a used car through advertisements has gained the greatest popularity among buyers of used cars: it is this option that allows you to get the optimal combination of price, quality and quantity of the car when purchasing. This method provides the greatest opportunity to buy a car in good condition for reasonable money, which is its significant advantage. However, do not forget that salvage and stolen cars are sold not only on the market, so before you start inspecting suitable examples, do not forget to study How to buy a used car from advertisements.
The second advantage of buying a used car through advertisements is a truly large selection of models and trim levels. At the car market and in a used car store, only a limited number of cars can be presented at a time, from which you have to choose something that is most suitable. According to advertisements, you can choose almost any configuration, with any possible parameters, almost the same as when buying a new car, although this greatly depends on the activity of sellers in your region. However, even if a car with the required configuration is not on sale now, this does not mean that it will not appear in a week or month. Buying a used car isn't hassle-free. It’s quite normal when it takes several weeks to find a good option.
This method of buying a used car also has its drawbacks. It is not always possible to find out the true condition of the car from a telephone conversation, since the seller may try to hide it, in the hope of luring you in for an inspection and “selling” you a car that for some reason he really wants to get rid of. Therefore, communication skills with people and the ability to identify falsehoods already at the stage of telephone conversations are very important here. It’s good if the seller lives on the next street, then inspecting the car can be considered just a walk, but what if you choose a car you came tens or hundreds of kilometers away? In this case, it is necessary to prepare several backup options in order to choose the most suitable one.
Here are the main disadvantages of buying a used car through advertisements: a lot of time spent inspecting options and the inability to inspect several cars at a time, in one place, as is usually done in a car showroom and car market.
Flaws:
A lot of time and effort spent examining options
Conclusions:
The method of buying a used car through advertisements is perhaps the most universal. The value of this method is the opportunity to personally see the owner of the car and, in a calm atmosphere, without the inevitable fuss in the market, study the documents and ask the seller about the history of the car. At the same time, this method allows you to find the right model in the right configuration, rather than choosing from a narrow assortment presented on the market or at a car dealership.
If you know a little about people and know how to conduct telephone conversations, then this method will suit you better than others, otherwise the benefits of buying a car through advertisements may be useless for you.
You should only buy a used car from advertisements if you have enough time to search for and inspect suitable options. There is no need to rush when choosing a used car, and even more so when buying from advertisements. The more time you are willing to spend searching for a good car, the greater your chances of finding just such a car.
In any case, you need to prepare for buying a used car from advertisements by studying the rules of How to buy a used car from advertisements. By strictly following these recommendations, you can reduce the likelihood of an unsuccessful purchase to almost zero.
Here are some used cars on the secondary market you should avoid.
Buying a car is not always successful, because very often we are driven by emotions. Sometimes it happens that we buy a car that is completely unsuitable for our needs or financially. Sometimes this is a big mistake. Even more than the wrong choice of a particular model. But how not to get burned in the used car market? What cars should you not buy if you don’t have the time and money for repairs and maintenance? It is not easy to answer this question. After all, all cars need maintenance, routine repairs, etc.
Yes it is. But among the many cars, there is a special caste that you really need to stay away from. And such a list of cars is no secret. Thousands of reviews have already been written about them on the Internet and there are legends among service providers. We have selected premium cars for you that you should under no circumstances purchase if your income is not premium.
The new car market has been in poor shape in recent years. Sales of new cars have not returned to pre-crisis levels. But at the same time, the used car market has grown significantly in recent years. But this is also logical. People are refusing to buy a new car in favor of a used one. It is noteworthy that the premium car market has grown the most. But this is not surprising, since, as a rule, premium cars quickly lose value in the first years. As a result, many 3-5 year old luxury models are quite attractive on the market.
But high demand for premium cars is one thing, and whether car owners are satisfied with their premium purchases is another. And here everything depends specifically on the make, model and financial capabilities for proper maintenance and repair of the car. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to have a premium car well serviced and install expensive original parts. As a result, such savings on maintenance turn into sheer disappointment. Especially when the car is not very reliable and has a number of design flaws.
For example, look at posts on car forums and you'll see that people most often complain about Audi and BMW. But this does not mean that these cars are unreliable. These are not the Chinese. The thing is that many people simply cannot afford to properly maintain these cars. But why buy these used cars then? It’s just that many people at the time of purchase do not realize the real cost of owning a premium car. So, are you also planning to buy a premium car in the market?
Then you should be prepared for sudden expenses. Moreover, the amount for repairs of 100-300 thousand rubles should not be shocking. You must be mentally and financially prepared for the fact that the cost of owning a premium car is often 3-5 times more expensive than a similar-sized regular non-luxury car.
