Got a stange problem with my Vectra C estate. 1.8 petrol.

In the mornings I have to crank it over for quite some time before it will start to kick in and fire. Its as though there is no fuel and has to be cranked to pump it through.
During this cranking the dash warning symbol for " Bulb Failure" comes on although once started this warning dissappears.
Once it has started then it starts first time on the key until you let it rest for a few hours. Having said that I left it on the airport car park for two weeks and it started first turn !
I have parked the car both up and down hill in case its fuel draining back, no difference.

Any Ideas ?

RD

Try ringing Vauxcare Wirral on 0151 647 2727, Ray I think one of the guys is.
Very knowledgable chaps.

Unless the manual specifically says it means something, I'd have thought the bulb failure warning is a red herring. During cranking your battery voltage drops significantly, and if you're cranking for a long time that could be long enough for the bulb failure warning to trigger. I'm assuming it works similarly to the bulb check system on my Omega which essentially measures current flowing through bulb circuits with a resistor and if that is lower than expected it assumes a failed bulb. Other than a failed bulb, lower than expected current caused by a low voltage (because you're cranking) would also trigger a warning (in fact even non OE spec bulbs can trigger the warning as the system is quite sensitive). You'd have to be trying to start with some lights on that are covered by the system, though - are you?

As for the actual fault - not really sure. Dodgy temp sensor meaning you're not getting your warmup enrichment? Does it warm start OK? Or, fuel filter? Can you paper clip it to read any stored fault codes it may have?