Diesel Astra Won't Start: Power Loss & Engine Light Drama

I had very similar issues with my 2015 Vauxhall Insignia diesel (currently at 142K km). Last month, it showed the same symptoms, power loss and hard starting. Turned out the fuel injectors were failing, and this caused irregular cylinder pressure. The error codes also pointed to the high-pressure fuel pump having issues. When I took it to my current garage, they did a proper diagnostic scan which showed multiple related errors in the fuel delivery system. They had to clean the injectors and replace two of them that were beyond repair. The high-pressure fuel pump also needed attention. After fixing these, they cleared all consequential error codes, and the car runs like new again. It was quite a serious issue that could've led to more engine damage if left unchecked. I'd suggest finding a garage that specializes in Vauxhall diesels, they'll know exactly what to look for. With symptoms like yours, it's best to get it checked soon rather than later.

Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. That sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with! Really helpful to know about the injectors, makes total sense given the symptoms. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole job? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the repair, or have you noticed any other issues pop up?

Hey again! Happy to give you an update. Since my last post, everything's been running absolutely perfect, not a single problem! The pressure fluctuation they found in one of the cylinders was sorted out completely, and the mechanic managed to clear all those consequential error codes without any extra charges, which was a nice bonus. The main costs were just for the injector work I mentioned before, the cleaning and replacing those two bad ones, plus sorting out the high-pressure fuel pump. You know how these diesel engines can be fussy about their fuel system! My Insignia's running like a dream now, feels almost as good as when I first got it. It's such a relief not having that power loss anymore or worrying about whether it'll start in the morning. The engine's got its punch back, and fuel consumption's back to normal too. If you're still looking for a mechanic, I'd be happy to share mine's details, they really know their stuff when it comes to Vauxhalls. Best investment I've made for the car, honestly. Let me know if you want their info!

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually bit the bullet and took my Astra to a specialist mechanic yesterday. You were spot on, it was the injectors causing all the trouble! Two of them were completely shot, and the fuel pump needed some work too. The whole job set me back about £800, which included parts and labor. A bit steep, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The car's running beautifully now, no more check engine light, and the power's fully back. Such a relief not having that horrible feeling of wondering if it'll start each morning! Really glad I asked here and got your advice. Would've probably wasted more time and money at my old mechanic's place. These diesel engines definitely need someone who knows what they're doing. Thanks again for helping me sort this out, you saved me a lot of headache!