will not start after sitting for couple of hours

2008 VAUXHALL ASTRA
150,000 MILES • 1.9L • TURBO • MANUAL
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KIERANB
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  • 3 POSTS
Hi, my car won't start after being left over night or for a couple of hours. we have changed battery and alternator seemed to work, but I drove work today fine left it couple of hours and now won't start.
Sep 8, 2021 at 10:11 AM
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SQM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This intermittent no start can be due to the coolant temperature sensor. I have seen many of these vehicles will have no starting issue and not have any other obvious symptoms.
The coolant temperature sensor can go bad and provide incorrect reading to the ECM. It can send a signal that could mean the engine it "too hot" to start and it will not start the engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

During the no start issue, does the engine cranks over? or when you try to start it nothing happens?

Let me know.
Thank you.
Sep 8, 2021 at 6:34 PM
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KIERANB
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Yes, it cranks then it turned over. we got jump start from work and it started this morning but not straight away.
Sep 9, 2021 at 4:15 AM
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KIERANB
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Also the battery had a green light on when we brought it 1 month ago no it doesn't.
Sep 9, 2021 at 4:41 AM
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SQM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,383 POSTS
You might want to get the battery load tested. It could have a bad cell.
If you are able to start it by jumping it then you could just have a weak battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test
Sep 9, 2021 at 7:06 AM