The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the reliable hatchback cars that is often rated for the price and the value of its features. However, dealing with a Vauxhall Corsa that won’t start is an issue all too many owners have been complaining about.

The most commonly reported reason that stops the Vauxhall Corsa from starting and operating correctly is often caused by the battery.

The problem is usually due to a dead battery or corroded battery components. Replacing the battery would often solve the problem and get your Vauxhall Corsa starting.

Since dealing with a car that does not start is frustrating, we should look at some of the main causes and how you can fix them.

Thanks to our experience and time spent at the local Vauxhall dealership, we could better understand what often causes these issues and what you could do to fix the problem and be back on the road.

5 Reasons Your Vauxhall Corsa Won’t Start

Whilst reading, you will notice a few of these issues are common for most vehicles. Since the processes that enable a car to start are often similar in different vehicles, there are numerous great fixes for these issues.

If your Vauxhall Corsa won’t start, here are a few probable causes that could hinder the start process aside from the Corsa transmission issue:

1. Battery Issues (Weak Battery/ Corroded Battery)

Problem: Aside from specifically looking at the Corsa, a dead battery is the main cause of problems related to starting many vehicles. If the battery is dead in your car, you will have a hard time starting the car and it would constantly crank.

Additionally, the components connecting to the battery might be corroded, causing the connection to misfire.

Solution: First, you can start by jumpstarting the car, and if it starts upon the jumper cables being connected, you can be sure that the dead battery is the cause.

Once you identify that a dead battery is affecting the start procedure, you would want to replace the battery. If corrosion of the components occurs, you could clean off some of the corrosion and reconnect the poles.

2. The Starter Motor Has Gone

Problem: If you often do maintenance and follow all your services, a broken starter motor is not something you need to be worried about.

However, the starter motor in the Vauxhall Corsa would give you around 100,000 miles. If you start the key and hear a clicking sound before the car dies, it is the starter motor.

Solution: Once you recognize the starter motor as being faulty, the best solution would be to visit your mechanic and replace the component.

We have seen a few workarounds where you hit the starter motor while turning the ignition, and it should work. However, this is only a temporary fix and might not fully solve the problem.

3. Blown Fuse/ Spark Plug

Problem: A damaged fuse or spark plug are two different components, and these would often need to be replaced when they are damaged.

A blown fuse would be rare, but due to some water damage or high voltage, it could blow the fuse. Your spark plug will occasionally fail due to years of use.

Solution: It would be best if you can replace the spark plug and fuses if you notice any damage. You will need to take apart the fuse box and manually inspect each of the fuses.

Fortunately, replacing the fuses and the spark plugs are inexpensive. With some basic mechanical skills, you should be able to make these fixes at home.

4. Dead Key Fob Battery

Problem: Modern vehicles rely on a key fob, which communicates with the ECU of your vehicle. A dead key fob battery is frustrating to deal with and you will find that the key does not communicate with the vehicle.

This could prevent you from entering the vehicle or starting the car. Key fob batteries would last around 12 to 18 months depending on how much you drive.

Solution: You will need to replace your key fob battery if possible. However, most manufacturers have a contingency plan to help drivers start the car.

By pressing the start button with the key fob, you can still start the vehicle. Alternatively, a manual key will be inside the key fob to start the manual ignition through the keyhole. Replacing your key fob battery should be your top priority.

5. Fuel Filter/ Pump Issues

Problem: The fuel filter is responsible for filtering out all the harmful contaminants in the fuel, whereas the pump would push the fuel toward the engine and ensure you have fuel to power the car.

If the fuel pump does not push fuel to the combustion chamber, the car cannot start. Alternatively, your fuel filter might be clogged and prevent fuel from passing through. This would stop acceleration as well.

Solution: The best solution would be to check the fuel filter and remove the component to clean some of the grime and contaminants causing the blockage.

The fuel pump can be more tricky, and you will need to check to see if there are problems with the pump or in the fuel hoses. Your mechanic should assist you in fixing the fuel pump.

How To Start The Vauxhall Corsa If It Doesn’t Want To

If you find yourself by the side of the road and your Vauxhall Corsa does not start, you might need to call your roadside assistance service. However, there are a few workarounds that you can use to temporarily start the car depending on the problems.

Here are some of these possible workarounds that could help you:

Dead Key Fob

Vauxhall has numerous backup methods of starting the car once the key fob does not work. However, the Corsa features a mark next to the side of the steering wheel. By holding the key with buttons facing out next to the mark, you can start the car.

Jumpstart

If the battery has died, you can crack the car as much as you want, but it still won’t start, the only solution would be to jumpstart the vehicle. You will place jumper cables on the various poles, which should allow you to start the battery with the help of a different battery.

Damaged Internal Components

If the fuel filter or any other components are causing the Corsa not to start, you should consider calling roadside assistance. Your Roadside Assistance Company would often tow the car or help you to fix the starting issue.

FAQ

How Do I Start My Corsa If The Key Fob Does Not Register?

The key fob battery might often die. However, Vauxhall includes a mark near the side of the steering wheel, which allows you to communicate with the ECU. By holding the key fob to the mark, you can press the start button, and your vehicle should start.

Why Does The Vauxhall Corsa Not Want To Start Suddenly?

If your Corsa is having problems starting, there could be a variety of causes for this. However, the battery is often the main culprit. It is best to check the battery voltage to ensure the voltage coming through is sufficient.