Vauxhall Corsa turns over wont start

Car: Vauxhall Corsa
Variant: 1.2
Model Year: 2012
Categories: Engine & DrivetrainElectrics, ECU, Warnings & LightsLeaks & NoisesRunning Rough, Starting & Power Loss
i run out of coolant and water in expansion tank has been just disappearing with no trace of its destination. I've now topped expansion tank with coolant and replaced the expansion tank cap, but the car is turning over and feels like its trying to start but it just wont, I'm no mechanic but by no means stupid and i think the symptoms are indicative of fuel starvation. there is fuel in the tank {not a great deal but still got fuel none the less}. I've also charged the battery as i did drain it by keep turning it over last week. Could anyone please please offer me some advice on what i need to be checking for next. I just do not have the money to be going to a garage atm. I also hve two dead tyres both nearside front and back. slow puncture at back and the front was a blowout from hitting a curb at 30 mph which made me think of the possibility of fuel cut of switch but again i just cannot find a definite answer that tells me whether there is one and/or where said cut off switch would be located!
Posted: Jun 23, 2020 (4 years ago)
You may have blown the head gasket . Check engine oil , colour and level Could also be blowing coolant out exhaust . Pull the plugs and check , could be wet from fuel or water as a start off point .
Posted Jun 23, 2020 (4 years ago)
Replying to post by whittingehame:
You may have blown the head gasket . Check engine oil , colour and level Could also be blowing coolant out exhaust . Pull the plugs and check , could be wet from fuel or water as a start off point .
Thank you mate the head gasket is the answer a really didn't want to hear but that is what I'm fearing has gone which is also why I never suggested it in my initial right up.
Engine oil level is fine, there is absolutely no creamy or discoloured residue around the inside of the oil filler cap either!
I know you don't know me Bro and I really do appreciate your feed back so if you don't mind I would like your opinion on this!?
I have been offered a 52 plate Golf GT T di as a straight swop. If the head gasket has gone I said I would do the swop with a £100 on top for me so I can change my insurance over at the same time. He said no he would only do a straight swop ??
Not sure of the mileage on the golf but my Corse has 36000 miles on the clock. So my dilemma is, I have no money, no savings either and because of a back injury I am only living off of £240 a month at the moment. I do not know what to do as I feel like they are trying to take the piss.
Posted Jun 23, 2020 (4 years ago)
You would be crazy to take the 52 plate Golf GT TDI deal , don't go near it . You will be worse of with that than your Corsa . No emulsified / " coffee " oil doesn't mean the head gasket is o.k , Depends where it's blown if it goes into oil or out the back . Things you can do without costing too much if anything to get it running first before worrying about overheating .
Remove the plugs , could be wet with water or fuel if flooded . If wet / fouled up you can wire brush them .Dry them on a gas ring if needed and then stick them back in while still hot ( dont burn your fingers )
You got to check for spark and fuel first .
See if you can hear the fuel pump buzz for a couple of seconds when ignition switched on . If not you might have to check fuses .I can give you a link for that if needed . If you get it running , get back and I will give you some things to check for overheating .
Posted Jun 23, 2020 (4 years ago)
Replying to post by whittingehame:
You would be crazy to take the 52 plate Golf GT TDI deal , don't go near it . You will be worse of with that than your Corsa . No emulsified / " coffee " oil doesn't mean the head gasket is o.k , Depends where it's blown if it goes into oil or out the back . Things you can do without costing too much if anything to get it running first before worrying about overheating .
Remove the plugs , could be wet with water or fuel if flooded . If wet / fouled up you can wire brush them .Dry them on a gas ring if needed and then stick them back in while still hot ( dont burn your fingers )
You got to check for spark and fuel first .
See if you can hear the fuel pump buzz for a couple of seconds when ignition switched on . If not you might have to check fuses .I can give you a link for that if needed . If you get it running , get back and I will give you some things to check for overheating .
Hi mate, sorry I wasn't being ignorant. Ran out of data. Can hear fuel pump engaging on ignition but engine won't start . Will check spark plugs as soon as I remember where I put the spanner. Lol
Its really stressing me out at the moment tbh. I will keep you updated as I go mate but again I must make you aware that I'm sincerely grateful for your input. You obviously have extensive knowledge around motors and I totally trust your feedback.
Posted Jun 25, 2020 (4 years ago)
No problem . If pump working , check the fuses that could affect engine starting / getting a spark at plugs . Others could also be related to engine cooling .

Vauxhall Corsa D (2009 to 2014) – fuse box diagram
Year of production: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014



Fuse box in engine compartment
Vauxhall Corsa D (2009) - fuse box - engine compartment
Vauxhall Corsa D (2009 – 2014) – fuse box – engine compartment
Numer Circuit
1 Starter
2 Air conditioning system
3 Diesel fuel filter heater
4 Horn
5 Manual transmission automated, automatic transmission
6 Engine control unit
7 Fog lights
8 Engine cooling
9 Engine cooling
10 Manual transmission automated
11 Glow plugs, ignition system
12 Headlight range adjustment, Adaptive forward lighting
13 Air conditioning system
14 Manual transmission automated
15 High beam (right)
16 High beam (left)
17 Main relay
18 Engine control unit
19 Airbags
20 Main relay
21 Main relay
22 Central control unit
23 Tyre repair kit
24 Fuel pump
25 ABS
26 Heated rear window
27 ABS
28 Interior fan
29 Cigarette lighter
30 Air conditioning system
31 Power window (left)
32 Power window (right)
33 Heated exterior mirrors
34 —
35 —


Instrument panel fuse box
Vauxhall Corsa D (2009) - fuse box - instrument panel
Vauxhall Corsa D (2009 – 2014) – fuse box – instrument panel
Number Circuit
1 —
2 Instruments, Info-Display
3 Radio
4 Ignition switch
5 Windscreen washer system
6 Central locking system, tailgate
7 Central locking system
8 —
9 Courtesy light
10 Electrical power steering
11 Light switch, brake light
12 ABS, brake light
13 Heated steering wheel
14 Parking assist, rain sensor, interior mirror


Load compartment fuse box
Vauxhal Ccorsa D (2009) - fuse box - load compartment
Vauxhal Ccorsa D (2009 – 2014) – fuse box – load compartment
Number Circuit
1 Adaptive forward lighting
2 —
3 Seat heater (left)
4 Seat heater (right)
5 —
6 —
7 —
8 Rear carrier system, towing equipment
9 —
10 —
11 —
12 —
13 —
14 —
15 Rear carrier system, towing equipment
16 —
17 Sunroof
WARNING: Terminal and harness assignments for individual connectors will vary depending on vehicle equipment level, model, and market.
Posted Jun 25, 2020 (4 years ago)

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