put it back on and the car and it still wont start. any ideas? i anit got a clue when it comes to under the bonnet

 

woul;d suggest it aint the battery then or the battery is buggered!!

maybe your outta petrol

 

got petrol and battery got life in it when i turn key. just dont wonna start

 

anybody?

 

You will need to provide more information.

Does the starter run?
Does the fuel pump run? Listen for the noise or disconnect a fuel hose while you're cranking (warning - fuel will spill)
Do you happen to have a crankshaft or camshaft sensor error code?
Do the dash lights even come on? In that case check ECU relay.

The manual, which is available in one of the posts here has got a very good troubleshooting procedure for startup problems.

 

the fuel pump runs.and the starter runs. also the dash lights come on

 

check the negative cable to see if its loose, but not on the batt, look where it joins to the chassis etc, had this before seems like dead batt, but all lights in car etc are fine

 

If the engine cranks over and the fuel pump is running up it sounds like a sensor, either crankshaft position of camshaft position?

 

i had to bump it the other day out of desperation and when it was running it didnt sound right. it was ticking over but when i was reving it, it was,nt responding as if it was missing

 

Check for spark at all plugs. Is it running in safety mode?
As already suggested download a copy of the relevent manual and go through the trouble shooting guide.

 

if the car over heats (which it did) what damage will it do in the long run

 

can these be fixed or do they need to be changed?

 

Do you know why it overheated?

Could be the problem? Youve said it was misfireing and it overheated so could be headgasget related. It could well be its trying to burn coolant.

 

it overheated cos the rad is leaking at the top. i had to use the car a few times ant the temp gauge was getting very very hot. there was water steaming out of the rad. i have changed the thermostat and it needs a new rad. but this would,nt stop it from starting would it

 

take of the oil filler cap off if its got white-brown slimy scum on then its head gasket failure. Also what is the coolant like does it have any slimy brown ****e in there?
When it was running did the exhaust steam much when the engine was up to temperature?

 

it was steaming loads but i had to get car home. i did temp seal the crack but the pressure of the water was to much

 

no i meant steaming out the exhaust

 

no mate just the rad. miss read your post

 

If i was you mate i wouldnt even try and start it again until you have a compression test. Overheating is a stupidly easy way to wreck the head, and the more you do it the more damage it does. get it towed to a garage and do a compression test. Failing that, if you really want to and are desparate, get the engine started and feel the coolant pipes, if they are hot and totally solid then you are looking at head gasket. It doesnt have to blow into the coolant for it to be shagged though. Number one on list, compression test, or rundown test. I really woudnt even try and start it until you good results from the test.

 

is it worth doing a compression test if the rad is leaking?