corradostuff

I've got a 16valver which I bought a couple of months ago. I'm loving it (its my first one). Anyway the spoiler doesn't work. The guy I bought it off said that in the winter when the spoiler was going up and down, it kept blowing the fuse for the sunroof. So he cut the wiring to the spoiler near the mechanism! Probably not the best idea but his wife wanted the sunroof more than the spoiler!! Has anyone heard of anything like this or had it happen to them? I'm going to see if I can reconnect the wiring up and get it working again, but obviously there's no point if it causes fuses to blow. Any ideas? He could have been telling porkies, the motor might be knackered or something so wondered if its happened to anyone else and how to fix it. Cheers

I think I'm getting somewhere with this. It happened again this morning but I managed to start it by pushing the key (and the lock cylinder) in further. Then it started straight away. So I've tested it and this seems to be the problem. If you don't push the key and the lock right in then it doesn't start the ignition even although the key will turn all the way round like normal. Its a bit weird but at least I can get it started now. Dunno how long it will last like this for tho. I'm intending to change the ignition switch anyway. Does it sound like thats still the problem or could I need a new lock cylinder? ps. I've sorted the leak problem too thanks to a search on the forum. I found about a tree's worth of leaves behind the bulkhead which was blocking up all the drain holes. Nice n easy one to fix.

My corrado has just failed the MOT on the handbrake efficiency which was at 11%. I'm new to Corrado ownership so bear with me, but I know the handbrake operates via the back brakes. The hand brake still works it just doesn't seem to be strong enough. My rear brake calipers are pretty rusty and I was wondering if dismantling the brakes, and giving all the parts a good clean etc might help improve the handbrake efficiency? The pads are all ok. I think the mechanism has probably rusted up a bit. The callipers will need replacing which I'll do at some point but at the moment I need to just try and get it through the MOT again in the next few days. Any ideas? Cheers

No stereo work has been done in mine, the stereo's like an antique!! I did find a load of water in the passenger footwell after it rained hard last week. I'm thinking this could have come in through the heater system if there was a blockage in the drain holes. Maybe something got wet from this and is playing up as a result. Looks like I've got a busy weekend ahead...

Your problem sounds exactly the same as mine except mine doesn't turn over when it happens, it's just completely dead. The weirdest thing about it is the way it just happens sometimes, and usually as you pointed out its when you go for a short drive, then go back to the car within a short time and try again! It seems to be alright if left for a few hours or more :? I'm going to try and get a new ignition switch before the weekend if possible and replace it. I'll let you know if it works and makes any difference. Out of interest do you know what sort of imobiliser you've got as that's another possibility I reckon. Thanks Walesy for the link for replacing the ignition switch (very helpful, reckon I can do it now!).

Thanks for the advice. It actually started again last night so I think you might be onto something with the ignition switch. It could be on its way out and being temperamental. I'll get a new one and try that. Any idea how to replace the ignition switch? I'm no expert at wiring or mechanics! I've noticed Haynes don't do manuals for Corrados, are there any other manuals anyone can recomend??

I got my first Corrado about a month ago now. I love it and everything was fine with it up until Saturday when it wouldn't start. I got in, put the fob in the imobiliser, turned the key in the ignition and nothing... it didn't even turn over, you could hear the fuel pump click on but that was it. The battery is not flat, all the lights etc were still working. I left it for a few hours and then it started fine with no trouble. Then today I started it up fine, drove to work, and now its decided not to work again. So now I'm stranded and don't have a clue what it could be. Any help???? All I keep thinking is it must be the imobilliser which is one of the old varieties with a little key fob which you put in the dash and then take out before starting the ignition. As the engine isn't turning over but the battery is definitely ok, I can't think what else it might be. If anyone can help at all I'd be very grateful.