Vauxhall Astra failure to start intermittently.

First thing to do would be check battery voltage / LOAD test your battery

Not a battery problem as the battery was replaced by AA when the problem was first noticed but to no avail. The only way the vehicle would start was to pump clutch pedal and at the same time rock steering wheel back and forth while holding ignition key in starting position until it fired up. Let it run for a few minutes before switching it off. Tried starting it again but had to go through same procedure as before. This time I took vehicle for a short 10 minute drive and vehicle issue seemed to have rectified itself. Unfortunately this only lasted for a few days when vehicle problem returned and have had to go through same procedure as before. Code 68 appeared which on consulting hand book said " SERVICE POWER STEERING".

You COULD have a battery problem and not know it without checking the battery voltage after lying overnight . There could be a drain on battery and when you do run it the alternator boosts the battery up again to a certain extent . A low battery also affects your power steering . May also be a faulty ignition switch . A lifetime in the motor trade and never heard of or known anything like that to start a car , lol " The only way the vehicle would start was to pump clutch pedal and at the same time rock steering wheel back and forth while holding ignition key in starting position until it fired up. "

Battery voltage is OK. Have had ignition switch replaced last week again to no avail. Wondering if it is an open circuit in starter motor (i.e. flat spot on starter) or faulty wiring somewhere or faulty clutch pedal switch but no fault shows when connected to electronic reader. Can assure you this is the only way it will start when problem is evident. I too have spent 50 years in motor trade all with Vauxhall franchise.

" I too have spent 50 years in motor trade all with Vauxhall franchise." in what capacity ?

Started as an apprentice in 1964 , qualified as vehicle technician , became Sales Manager then Sales Director then finished up taking ownership of Company in 1993.

Fergusons of Renfrew ?

ten out of ten

I had a mechanic from Renfrew in yonder years and I remember it was he who first mentioned your garage when we were struggling to find a hard to get / unavailable part .


Getting diverted here ,

If it was a " lazy " , dud starter it would usually show up on a starter draw test . But worth checking wiring / connections at starter motor and all earths , especially from power unit to body . A faulty clutch pedal switch should USUALLY show a stored fault code that could be retrieved by Tech 3 or similar . Dont know if trying another key is worth a go

Have tried both keys to no avail. What was the mechanics name and where were you based?

Could it be an instrument cluster fault ? , cant remember what car had this and if you hit the dash with the heel of your hand it would start till a TSB fixed the fault

Dont give out any mechanics / staff / my details on open forums nowadays , but was in Glasgow

Forgot to add

https://www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk/repair/model/vauxhall-astra-h-instrument-cluster-speedo-repair-service