Vauxhall Combo dash loosing electric, engine wont start

Car: Vauxhall Combo
Variant: 1700 DI Manual
Model Year: 2003
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hello, got a similar problem to what i have been reading, but there is none exactly like this, and im rather confused about the fault.

Basically, i was driving to work, all the dash lights went off inc speedo, the backlight stayed on, Indicators were working but not displaying on the dash, so i pulled into a garage, turned the engine off, tried to restart it and wouldnt work.

* Displaying Engine management light, and seatbelt light when i insert the key and turn once. (Engine management light goes off shortly after)

I then waited 5 minutes, tried again, to my confusion all the lights came on as they should when turning the key, then engine started fine, so i drove it 20 seconds and all the dash went again, no speedo, lights ect, only the backlight (Van was driving fine).


Got the van home, turned it off, tried to restart and didnt work.Got a mechanic round to have a check, he checked a few fuses, one saying (20) on was blown, replaced and didnt change anything. Took the cover off round the steering wheel, tried a few plugs, taking them out and in again, opened the door, locked car, unlocked then tried ignition. Somewhere in between all that, the van dash lights came on, speedo's working, and engine started fine. Drove it down the hill, dash went again, van driving fine, got it back home, tried to start it , never work.

This is pretty much rinse and repeat, i can get in the van and it can work. I can tell its going to start when i put the key in and turn it once, all the lights come up on dash. When its not going to work, all i get is an engine management light that comes on for a few seconds then goes off, and a seatbelt light. The engine will not start if that is all it displays.


Thought i would check here before probably getting ripped off from a garage, thanks for anyone reading this, help is much appreciated.

*Only thing i have changed in the passed few weeks is the CD player, Van has been driving fine for a few weeks since it was installed, but thought i would note that down for you guys.

Cheers Chris. (sorry for the essay, tried to be as clear as possible)
Posted: Sep 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
Checked connection / wiring plug behind dash panel ?
Posted Sep 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
Have you had a look at this similar problem: Dash Loosing Electric, Engine Wont Start

This message was auto-generated based on a user suggestion.
Posted Sep 15, 2011 (13 years ago)
alright chris i had the same problem with mine so i decided to find out what it was so i tryed everythink what you did then fort it might be behind the clocks so u took the covers off and pulled the speedo clocks out an there is a wire that is cliped onto the dash bord and its not a good conection into the speedo clocks so i tryed to start the car with out the clocks in and wudnt start so i new it was tha problem so i frew come cable ties around the white conection to stick onto the bash bord propaly and wasnt any more free play in it then pushed the clocks back in an placed panels back on and ever since i done that the car has worked perfect hasnt done it since mate if you eant any pics or videos of how you do it send me your email and i will show you how you do it if you dont know the pic i have added is what i had to do to fix the problem so its solid
Posted Sep 15, 2011 (13 years ago)
Hello. Just read chris bakers problem with his vauxhall combo. I just went to my van (vauxhall combo) and i got the same problem. Tried to start it and it would turn over but it wouldnt kick it and only two lights showed up on the dash, seat belt and exhaust emission!! Left it an hour and it started!!!! Hope someone can help.
Posted Feb 8, 2012 (12 years ago)

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