Won't start... Am I missing something really obvious???

[V8 Middy]

I'm up at the snow and drove the car last week... Didn't miss a beat. 5 days later, I go to start it and it turns over fine but won't start. Weather hasn't been that cold, just a little damp / foggy so there's a bit of condensation in the engine bay.

Car is dual fuel so I tried both gas and peddy, no joy on either. When you first turn on the ignition, the fuel pump fires up for a second like its suppsed to so I'm guessing there's no spark.

I checked leads to coil / distributor etc to no avail. I'm hoping a bit of damp air isn't enough to stop my dizzy from working.

Any suggestions? Engine is a VN V8

Thanks,

Dave

[MissDrew]

Check all fuses. Sounds electrical.

[high n mighty]

Have your best mate hold one of the spark plug leads with a key contacting inside of it. This is the best way to find if you have spark

[unwritten]

You can run the self diagnostics if you bridge the plug (in the manual) if it's still attached in the harness. Check (test) your ignition module and coil.

[ISUZUROVER]

Commodores were/are known for the ignition module failing.

[high n mighty]

Commodores were/are known for the ignition module failing.

I am an absolute n00b at auto electrics.

My 202 powered panelvan had an ignition module, but does efi have this also???

[ISUZUROVER]

Commodores were/are known for the ignition module failing.

I am an absolute n00b at auto electrics.

My 202 powered panelvan had an ignition module, but does efi have this also???

I am talking about the ignition module/plugpack - the thing that replaces a distributor on late model engines. On commodore V6 engined this is a grey/black box near the front of the engine.

BTW - your suggestion on checking the spark is dangerous on late model engines with HV ignition systems. If your "mate" has any heart problems you could be up on manslaughter charges. There are ,much better ways to check the spark.

[-Scott-]

My first guess would be moisture allowing spark to track to earth somewhere. Ensure all HV ignition components are clean and dry - physically clean them, and dry them.

If you're getting fuel but no spark, I'd expect you'd be able to smell raw fuel in your exhaust - yes? Some engines won't fire the injectors (or spark...) if the crank angle sensor doesn't indicate that the engine is turning.

Good luck,

Scott

[EXHAUSTFIX]

if spark is not the problim try looking at your gas mabye it is not swiched over properly and is duel fueling

[cloughy]

Commodores were/are known for the ignition module failing.

I am an absolute n00b at auto electrics.

My 202 powered panelvan had an ignition module, but does efi have this also???

I am talking about the ignition module/plugpack - the thing that replaces a distributor on late model engines. On commodore V6 engined this is a grey/black box near the front of the engine.

BTW - your suggestion on checking the spark is dangerous on late model engines with HV ignition systems. If your "mate" has any heart problems you could be up on manslaughter charges. There are ,much better ways to check the spark.

VN 5L's are dizzy/coil

Check all fuses and fusible links, following that a diagnostic check is a good measure, if no faults codes its most probably the primary side of the ignition(high voltage) maybe bung coil, rotor, cap etc

[77Rangie]

VN V8s have an ignition module they are a silver box originally mounted on the guard. We sell quite a few of them, they can also cause coil failure, if your coil is cracked badly you should get your module checked.
photo here:
http://www.injectacarb.com.au/holden-ig ... p-153.html

[V8 Middy]

Firstly, thanks for all the suggestions...

So I head out to start trying a few of the ideas you all threw my way. Turned the key and the bloody thing started first go! Weather went below freezing point last night so maybe moisture causied the problem, then froze and ceased to do so.

I played around with all the ignition wiring to try and find a loose connection but it never missed a beat. Now I just have to pray the same thing doesn't happen in the middle of nowhere!

I HATE INTERTMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again everyone

[tweak'e]

one small thing a mate had with a toyota....

check the key. they had a case of the motor would turn over but not fire. there vechile must have some sort of anti theft thing in the main switch and their key was just enough out of spec to not active the ignition system.