Hi i have a ef the problem is when i first start the car the motor turns over and trys to start but it wont start... turn the key off and back on straight way and it starts first go then . does it when it is cold sometimes but more often when the car is hot. thanks Ian

Hi There

How many K's has it done ??

Does it run fine once started ??

The engine cranking could be a good sign.
It 'possibly' rules out a problem with smartlock / bem,
ignition switch, neutral inhibitor etc.

Make sure all battery connections are clean and secure.
This includes the block earth point and both ends of the chassis
to block earth.

Based solely on my experience with my EA which had same symptons.....
Switch radio off. Switch key to IGN.
Can you hear a faint whirring noise for a second or 2 ??
If so, this is your fuel pump priming / pressurizing the system.
If no sound or it takes a couple of tries to hear it then....
the fuel pump relay could be flaky or the pump itself could be on its way out.
In my case the pump was stu**ed.

There are many other possible causes including....

Coil Pack
Clogged fuel filter
Flaky Fuel Pressure Regulator
Are your plugs and leads in good order ??

I'm sure other EF owners can help more.

thanks gutza i just had new reco (from gem .gem didnt install it )motor put in last month .

It had new leads new plugs new fuel pump and fuel filter.

Can hear fuel pump kick in every time .

Ill cheak the battery leads and eath leads again have already tryed that but will try again.

Interesting.....

Possibly check in engine bay that all sensor connectors are
in place and secure.

Can you do a diagnostic to check for error codes ??

You still might have the original Fuel Pressure Regulator.
If its seen a lot of miles it could be iffy.

i had the exact same problem with my au egas so i reset the computer and its sorted now

I had EXACTLY this problem with my EL doen to the letter.... no-one could figure out what it was... Until I shut down on the citywest link one night, in peak hour.

4 hours, and NRMA and a flatbed later, it was the IGNITION COIL.

I had it up to the closest mechanic, who replaced it, and once the computer reset, and re-learned, it was fine on starting.

Its running bad, but thats un-related (its been like that for ages)

I don't know what difference an EF would have, aside from the coil pack, but My advise, would be get the coil (or coil pack in your case) checked and/or replaced.