QuestionHi from Oz - Although this is a Vitara I'm hoping you might have come across these problems with sidekicks etc.
However mine could be 3 separate problems - or maybe 1?
NB - Suzi has done 156,000KM but is serviced & carefully inspected professionally at least once each year for the Oz Government Road Worthy Certificate.
The only problems I had in in 2008 prior to the new one's listed below were:
a) New Battery 6 months ago
b) Main Driver's "In the door control panel" (for Auto Door Locks & Windows) replaced about 5 months ago as Drivers window & door would not open/close.
Since then Suzi has behaved perfectly.
Until about 6 weeks ago:
1. To open my Driver door "from the inside" I have had to click the lock/unlock a few times before it releases - all 4 other doors worked fine?
2. Then - 2 weeks ago - my 5th Door (at rear) would not open at all - with or without the Key - can hear/see electric auto open/close - which seem to work on all 5 doors - but the 'Rear Door Handle Lift Plate' will not 'Lift Up' and release catch?
3. Then - last week (just before the annual service) - I completed a 300KM/4Stop/3hour morning trip (not unusual for me) and parked at home. Next day would not start. Could smell fuel - BUT 'NO SPARK' - so as 10,500KM since last service I replaced Distributor Cap (which was badly corroded) and replaced the full Ignition cable set.
Still no spark - so replaced the Rotor (not so corroded) - and 'hooray' sparked 1st time.
Ran for 4 days perfectly - then same problem - parked, next morning no spark.
Fiddled around like before checking Earth, Fuses, any connections, etc. - and again 'Hooray' it started.
Problem is I did not 'really' find anything - and am wondering if I put all the old stuff back if it would also work? Don't need or want to as all would have been replaced in the 150,000KM service anyway.
So any idea what else could it be?
And do I need to take it to an auto-electrician before the service?
AnswerIt's most likely that the door lock mechanisms (usually accessible after removing the door panels) are in need of WD40 or another similar lubricant. Usually necessary every couple of years.
Your description makes it sound probable that the rotor had a path to ground (short to ground)in it.
scotty
