Failure to start

**dunc2610** · 29th October 2012, 10:37

Good Morning Gents,

I have a 55plate V6 CDTI and have recently had two occasions where upon starting, I've had nothing but "clicks", jump started it and away its gone, now on the second of these two occasions, after quite some time of driving the radio wouldn't turn on, I have since changed the battery and upon starting this morning, yes, it started however I had the radio issue again. By the way on both the radio issue occasions it turned on of its own accord after approx 25-30mins driving.

Anyone have any ideas what maybe wrong?

Thanks

**john norris** · 29th October 2012, 10:40

check alternator as current drops things shut down to help keep it running when the radios off do the fans work?

**06sri** · 29th October 2012, 10:40

nothing but clicks woulod indicate starter motor - however the car would fail to start (during the clicks),or maybe a dodgy alternator, just my guesses but others will also advise.

**tony-1977** · 29th October 2012, 10:40

Sounds like the alternator starting to go the journey. Chdeck the voltage at the battery with the engine running, and all accessories turned off. Should be 14.0 - 14.8v.

**06sri** · 29th October 2012, 10:42

lol 3 posts all at 9.40

**chrisvectra** · 29th October 2012, 10:43

sounds like typical vectra alternator dying bud need to get the voltage checked across the terminals with engine off and then running

**dunc2610** · 29th October 2012, 11:36

Would the battery light not come on if it were alternator?

However yes, everything else worked, just not the radio, and a said this morning the car started but stereo wouldn't come on.

Any ideas at cost of alternator for this car, no doubt its redunculous!!

**06sri** · 29th October 2012, 11:43

used £50ish

£130 + vat at vauxhall with a vauxhall trade club card £168 + vat without

or £330 at euro car parts

**vectra ste** · 29th October 2012, 12:15

i would go with check the voltages on battery and the alternator like tony 1977 said

**dunc2610** · 29th October 2012, 12:16

Vxl cheaper than Eurocarparts?? How does that work, not that I'd be complaining at 170+VAT.

Thanks for your help everyone, ironic I bought this car as I thought it would be reliable and not cost me much, 2.5 years of ownership and I'm a flywheel/clutch down, 3 springs, 1 brake caliper, and now possibly an alternator lol!!