Starting problems are among the most common issues faced by owners of early Commodores. Whether you own a VB, VC, VH or VK Commodore, there will eventually come a time when you turn the key and nothing happens—or the engine cranks but refuses to start.
The good news is that most starting problems in classic Commodores are relatively straightforward to diagnose. Unlike modern vehicles with complex engine management systems, early Commodores rely on simple electrical and fuel systems that can usually be checked with basic tools.
In many cases, the problem is something simple such as a weak battery, faulty starter motor, poor earth connection or ignition fault. Understanding how the starting system works can save significant time, money and frustration.
Understanding the Starting System
For an engine to start successfully it requires:
Four Essentials
- Battery power
- Starter motor operation
- Ignition spark
- Fuel delivery
If any of these are missing, the engine will not start.
Problem 1: Nothing Happens When You Turn the Key
This is one of the most common complaints.
Symptoms
- No cranking
- No starter noise
- No engine movement
Possible Causes
- Flat battery
- Bad battery terminals
- Faulty ignition switch
- Faulty starter solenoid
- Poor earth connection
Begin diagnosis with the battery.
Weak or Flat Battery
The battery remains the most common cause of starting problems.
Symptoms
- Slow cranking
- Clicking noises
- Dim headlights
- Intermittent starting
Causes
- Battery age
- Charging issues
- Long storage periods
Even a battery that appears healthy may not have sufficient cranking power.
Best Battery Upgrade
Recommended Product: Century Ultra Hi Performance Battery
Benefits
- Strong cranking performance
- Reliable Australian design
- Excellent durability
Best For
- Holden six-cylinder engines
- Holden V8-powered Commodores
Corroded Battery Connections
Battery terminals often create starting issues.
Symptoms
- Slow crank
- Intermittent starting
- Complete no-start condition
Signs
- White corrosion
- Green deposits
- Loose terminals
Cleaning connections can often restore normal operation.
Poor Earth Connections
Early Commodores rely heavily on good earth connections.
Symptoms
- Slow starter operation
- Electrical gremlins
- Inconsistent starting
Common Earth Locations
- Battery to body
- Engine block earth strap
- Firewall earth points
Poor earths cause countless starting problems.
Problem 2: Starter Clicks But Engine Won’t Turn
A clicking starter often indicates insufficient current.
Symptoms
- Single click
- Rapid clicking
- No engine rotation
Possible Causes
- Weak battery
- Faulty starter motor
- Poor connections
- Faulty solenoid
Testing battery voltage is the first step.
Starter Motor Problems
Starter motors eventually wear out.
Symptoms
- Slow cranking
- Grinding noises
- Clicking only
- Intermittent operation
Common Causes
- Worn brushes
- Solenoid failure
- Internal wear
Many original starters are now decades old.
Best Starter Motor Replacement
Recommended Product: Bosch Replacement Starter Motor
Benefits
- Reliable operation
- Quality construction
- Excellent availability
Best For
- Holden six-cylinder engines
- Holden V8 engines
Faulty Starter Solenoid
The solenoid activates the starter motor.
Symptoms
- Click but no crank
- Intermittent starting
- No starter engagement
Causes
- Internal wear
- Electrical failure
Solenoid issues are common on older vehicles.
Problem 3: Engine Cranks But Won’t Start
If the starter turns the engine but it won’t fire, attention shifts to spark and fuel.
Possible Causes
- No spark
- Fuel delivery problems
- Ignition timing issues
Systematic diagnosis is essential.
Ignition System Problems
Early Commodores use relatively simple ignition systems.
Common Faults
- Failed ignition coil
- Worn distributor components
- Faulty ignition module
- Damaged leads
Ignition faults are a major cause of no-start conditions.
Faulty Ignition Coil
A weak coil may allow cranking but prevent starting.
Symptoms
- No spark
- Hard starting
- Intermittent operation
Common Causes
- Heat damage
- Age-related failure
Testing spark output helps confirm diagnosis.
Distributor Problems
Distributor wear becomes common with age.
Symptoms
- Misfires
- Hard starting
- Complete no-start condition
Components to Inspect
- Rotor button
- Distributor cap
- Internal wiring
Routine maintenance prevents many issues.
Best Ignition Tune-Up Kit
Recommended Product: Bosch Ignition Service Kit
Includes
- Distributor cap
- Rotor button
- Ignition components
Benefits
- Improved reliability
- Better starting performance
Fuel Delivery Problems
An engine needs fuel as well as spark.
Symptoms
- Cranks normally
- No firing
- Occasional backfire
Common Causes
- Fuel pump failure
- Blocked filter
- Carburettor issues
Fuel system diagnosis is often straightforward.
Mechanical Fuel Pump Failure
Many early Commodores use mechanical fuel pumps.
Symptoms
- Cranks but won’t start
- Fuel starvation
- Long cranking times
Causes
- Diaphragm failure
- Internal wear
Replacement usually solves the problem.
Blocked Fuel Filters
Fuel filters are often forgotten.
Symptoms
- Hard starting
- Poor performance
- Fuel starvation
Service Recommendation
Replace filters regularly.
Carburettor Problems
Carburetted Commodores may suffer from fuel-related issues.
Common Problems
- Stuck float
- Fuel evaporation
- Dirty jets
Vehicles stored for long periods are especially vulnerable.
Hot Starting Problems
Many early Commodores start perfectly cold but struggle when hot.
Symptoms
- Long cranking after shutdown
- Hard restarting
- Starter drag
Causes
- Heat-soaked starter motor
- Fuel percolation
- Weak ignition components
This issue is common in Holden sixes and V8s.
V8 Starting Problems
Holden V8-powered Commodores present unique challenges.
Common Issues
- Heat soak
- High starter load
- Weak batteries
Recommended Upgrades
- Heavy-duty battery
- Quality earth straps
- Modern starter motor
These improvements greatly enhance reliability.
Ignition Switch Problems
The ignition switch controls several starting circuits.
Symptoms
- Intermittent cranking
- No crank condition
- Electrical power loss
Causes
- Worn contacts
- Internal switch wear
A faulty ignition switch can mimic many other faults.
Alternator Problems That Cause Starting Issues
A bad alternator may allow the car to run but prevent future starts.
Symptoms
- Flat battery
- Battery warning light
- Repeated battery failures
Common Causes
- Worn brushes
- Internal regulator failure
Always check charging voltage.
Best Diagnostic Tool
Recommended Product: Digital Multimeter
Benefits
- Battery testing
- Voltage drop testing
- Charging system diagnosis
Essential For
- DIY troubleshooting
Common Starting Problem Mistakes
Replacing Parts Without Testing
Always diagnose first.
Ignoring Earth Connections
Earth faults cause numerous starting problems.
Overlooking Fuel Delivery
Spark alone won’t start an engine.
Assuming the Battery Is Good
Even relatively new batteries can fail.
Recommended Starting System Reliability Package
For most early Commodores:
Reliability Package
- Century battery
- New battery terminals
- Fresh earth straps
- Bosch ignition service kit
- Fuel filter replacement
This maintenance dramatically improves reliability.
Most Common Cause of Starting Problems
In most early Commodores, starting problems are usually traced to:
- Weak battery
- Poor earth connections
- Starter motor wear
- Ignition system faults
- Fuel delivery problems
These five areas should always be checked first.
Starting problems can be frustrating, but they are usually easier to diagnose than many owners expect. The relatively simple electrical and fuel systems fitted to VB, VC, VH and VK Commodores mean most faults can be identified with basic tools and a systematic approach.
Regular maintenance of the battery, ignition system, fuel system and starter motor can prevent many common issues before they leave you stranded. Whether you own a blue motor-powered VH sedan or a tough 308-powered VK, keeping the starting system in top condition is one of the best ways to ensure reliable classic Holden ownership.
Related Articles
- Early Commodore Electrical Problems
- VB, VC and VH Commodore Transmission Problems
- VB, VC and VH Commodore Suspension Problems
- Best Battery Upgrades for Classic Commodores
- Best Transmission Fluids for Classic Commodores
- How to Inspect an Early Commodore Before Buying