ve commodore wont start Page 249

If your VE Commodore won’t start, first decide whether it’s a no-crank or a crank-no-fire—because it’s fussy, not mystical.

• Battery and terminals: anything under 12.4 V at rest or crusty clamps will make it sulk.
• Immobiliser/key: try the spare key; if the security light stays on, it’s not letting you play.
• Starter circuit: check the starter relay and try starting in Neutral (range switch tantrums happen).
• Crank-no-start: listen for the fuel pump prime; common culprits are a tired fuel pump/relay or a failed crank angle sensor.
• Grounds and fuses: the engine earth strap and main fuses love a good drama.

Scan for codes even if it won’t fire; the ECU usually snitches. If a jump-start wakes it up, fit a healthy battery and clean the grounds before blaming the starter. If it still plays dead, a proper voltage-drop test and spark/fuel check will stop you from parts-cannoning. When in doubt, a mobile auto sparky is cheaper than guessing.