download

[Hgrove]

Today my 10 yr old Astra would not start. The AA mechanic said it was because the engine was cold.  He mentioned the word "flooding" several times.  He said if you start the car, drive it a few yards, then stop again, in cold weather, there's a good chance it will not start at all next time you try because it's all electronic nowadays etc etc...  then he said I might be best advised to take it to a Vauxhall dealer; he said only a Vauxhall dealer would do; and ask them to do a download.  As you can see it all went over my head.  Can anybody explain please?

[foggy600]

only vauxhall dealers have the required computers to diagnose a vauxhall car, they plug the comp into your car electronics box and it can diagnose a fault.

[Impret-Sir]

By flooding, he meant that when you start the car in the cold the engine is given a bit of extra fuel to help it work until it warms up. If the cars electronics are giving a bit too much fuel at this time the ratio of fuel to air in the mixture will be too rich, and the engine will not start. His popint about starting and stopping however does not seem to make much sence, sure the engine will be running a bit rich at this time, but if the cars measuring the required fuel correctly, then it should start fine.

It is true that a GM garage will have the proper electronic test gear to check your fuel mixture, but there are plenty of other outfits, (look in yellow pages under "car tuning", I think) who can also do it, many of these will come to you!

[Ewood27]

Whatever the technicalities, driving just a very short distance can mean a difficult start next time.  I have a 6-year-old Vectra.  If I move it out into my driveway to wash it, then move it back, it doesn't want to start next time.  Normally it fires up within a second, whatever the conditions.  Fact of life, I'm afraid.  I drive it around for a few miles now, to clear the fuel management computer's "starting" settings.

[MORELLO]

Don't go near a Vauxhall dealer. Especially with a 10 year old car - they'll scare you witless and have the shirt of your back. There are plenty of more trustworthy independant garages with the neccessary equipment to diagnose your problem.