Firkle
14-01-2011, 12:57 PM
My wife has a 1995 October 1.8 GL ( sorry I don't have the engine code to hand) which she had from new and has never previously given a problem in 66 K miles. At the end of December it refused to start one morning. There were plenty of sparks and it seemed to be a fuel problem.
Checking the obvious all appeared to be OK and after about 10 minutes of trying it started OK and ran for the remainder of the day. Next day it fired first time and again ran OK.
For the next week it fired first time every morning so I decided to use it for the day. After about 50 miles of local journeys it suddenly cut out and wouldn't start so I called out a friend to help jump start it or tow it back.
Whilst jump starting it my friend noticed that the engine would turn over in the normal manner but on releasing the key to disengage the starter motor the engine appeared to fire for 2 or 3 sparks but ran in the reverse direction. It did this for 3 or 4 times but then fired correctly and ran OK so that I could drive it home. On the way home I noticed that it was a little lumpy at times and the tickover very slightly higher than normal.
There are no error indications on the dash board and I've checked everything I can think of but can't find anything obviously wrong.
Has anyone met this before?
Many thanks
Phil
PS Sorry this is a little long winded but I wanted to give the full chain of events.
Checking the obvious all appeared to be OK and after about 10 minutes of trying it started OK and ran for the remainder of the day. Next day it fired first time and again ran OK.
For the next week it fired first time every morning so I decided to use it for the day. After about 50 miles of local journeys it suddenly cut out and wouldn't start so I called out a friend to help jump start it or tow it back.
Whilst jump starting it my friend noticed that the engine would turn over in the normal manner but on releasing the key to disengage the starter motor the engine appeared to fire for 2 or 3 sparks but ran in the reverse direction. It did this for 3 or 4 times but then fired correctly and ran OK so that I could drive it home. On the way home I noticed that it was a little lumpy at times and the tickover very slightly higher than normal.
There are no error indications on the dash board and I've checked everything I can think of but can't find anything obviously wrong.
Has anyone met this before?
Many thanks
Phil
PS Sorry this is a little long winded but I wanted to give the full chain of events.