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OMannRider

Mokka's Mystery: Stalling Engine & Warning Light Drama

Car won't start

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Engine shuts off by itself

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Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle

Hey everyone, my 2012 Vauxhall Mokka (diesel, 24332 KM) has been giving me some trouble lately. The engine keeps stalling and sometimes won't start at all. The warning light on the dash is also lit up. I suspect it might be the water sensor, but after a previous bad experience with my mechanic, I'm looking for a second opinion. Has anyone dealt with similar issues? Would love to hear about your experiences and maybe get a recommendation for a reliable mechanic. Thanks in advance!

8 comment(s)


Best Answer

LeahSpeedster

Hey there, I had a similar issue with my 2015 Vauxhall Astra diesel (about 45K KM). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced last month. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty sensor cable connection near the fuel filter housing. The mechanic showed me that water had gotten into the wiring connector, causing corrosion and intermittent signal issues. This was making my engine stall out of nowhere and sometimes refuse to start. The warning light was also coming on and off. It wasn't a major repair, just needed the connector cleaned, sealed properly, and a new sensor cable fitted. The job took about an hour at my local Vauxhall specialist. Not a serious issue if caught early, but could lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. If you're in need of a second opinion, I'd recommend getting it checked at a certified Vauxhall dealer. These sensor issues are pretty common in our models, and they'll know exactly what to look for.

OMannRider (Author)

Thanks that's really helpful! Had the exact same symptoms with my Mokka. Good to know it wasn't just me dealing with those unusual stalls, proper annoying, wasn't it? I'm gonna get it checked out this week at the dealer you mentioned. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since they fixed it? Always worried about these things coming back to haunt you later!

LeahSpeedster

Hey again! Yep, totally get your concern! I'm happy to report that since getting it fixed at the dealer, my Astra's been running like a dream, no more of those frustrating stalls or starting issues. The repair set me back 365€, which included sorting out the defective sensor cable connection. Worth every penny if you ask me! It's been about six weeks now, and I haven't had a single problem with the water sensor. The warning light's stayed off too, which is always a good sign! I know what you mean about worrying about these things coming back, I was a bit paranoid at first, but the dealer did a proper job. Quick tip though, they told me to keep an eye on the connections and make sure they stay dry, especially during these wet months. Apparently, that helps prevent the same issue from happening again. Let me know how you get on with yours, always interested to hear if others have the same experience with their Vauxhalls!

OMannRider (Author)

Thanks for all the info! Just wanted to update you on what happened with my Mokka. Took it to the dealer last Thursday, you were spot on about the sensor issue! They found the same problem with water damage in the connector, but also noticed my fuel filter needed replacing. Ended up paying a bit more than you did, around 450€ for the whole job, but they threw in a complete system check which was decent of them. Got it back yesterday and it's running perfectly now, no more stalling or warning lights! Funny thing is, while I was waiting at the garage, another guy came in with the exact same problem on his Insignia. Must be a common Vauxhall thing! The mechanic was actually really good about explaining everything and showing me what was wrong. Way better than my old garage, glad I made the switch. Thanks again for the recommendation. Really helped me avoid what could've been a much bigger headache. I'll definitely keep an eye on those connections like you suggested, especially with all this rain we've been getting lately!

PieterD

Hello everyone, We have a opel mokka diesel 1.6, 180 000 km. In 2021 at 150 000km: After shutting down the engine, either manually or via the eco shutdown, the engine is started again, it starts normally and we hear and knocking sound internally and the engine stops and immediately starts up again by itself. This several times in a row until suddenly the engine keeps running normally. We could have this 2 times in a week. After long investigation it turned out to be a broken mass flywheel. This has been replaced along with clutch disc, pressure group butée. Now, not 30 000 km later we have the same starting problems, but without knocking noise. Engine starts perfectly, but stalls after 2s. As many as 10x in a row. And suddenly it does keep running. 1 time in 20 this occurs, no error codes, cold or warm engine. Power is ok... I saw in the garage that there is some oil leaking between engine and gearbox, 2 drops. The seal was replaced in 2021. Who can help me? Regards

(Translated from Dutch)

CarlyAdminNik

@PieterD

Hello everyone, We have a opel mokka diesel 1.6, 180 000 km. In 2021 at 150 000km: After shutting down the engine, either manually or via the eco shutdown, the engine is started again, it starts normally and we hear and knocking sound internally and the engine stops and immediately starts up again by itself. This several times in a row until suddenly the engine keeps running normally. We could have this 2 times in a week. After long investigation it turned out to be a broken mass flywheel. This has been replaced along with clutch disc, pressure group butée. Now, not 30 000 km later we have the same starting problems, but without knocking noise. Engine starts perfectly, but stalls after 2s. As many as 10x in a row. And suddenly it does keep running. 1 time in 20 this occurs, no error codes, cold or warm engine. Power is ok... I saw in the garage that there is some oil leaking between engine and gearbox, 2 drops. The seal was replaced in 2021. Who can help me? Regards

Hello PieterD, The engine stalling issue after startup could be due to fuel delivery problems, air supply restrictions, or sensor-related faults, such as the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors. Check the fuel system, clean the throttle body, inspect sensors for contamination. I would recommend taking your car to a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection. Please keep us updated on your progress. Do you have any other questions?

CarlyMechanic

@PieterD

Hello, Thanks for the info. In the meantime, the dealer installed another fuel filter. We keep our fingers crossed.

Great to hear that, PieterD! Please keep us updated on how your Mokka performs with the new fuel filter. If the problem persists, it might be worth checking those sensors I mentioned earlier. Do you have any other questions or concerns?

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