Last week I could not start my Vectra to drive it off a ferry. When I turned on the ignition some strange engine symbol, with a lightening bolt thro it, came up as a warning on the dash - I turned the key further and nothing at all happened. It didn't matter how many times I fully turned the key, the result was always the same - no response at all.
I was eventually pushed off the ferry. I called the RAC who said they were very busy but would be with me within three hours.
I've done over 89,000 miles in this car and never had this ignition problem before. After half an hour I tried to start the car again - it started first time. I drove it around for the next three days then came back on the ferry again. I was in a cold sweat when I came to start up again to drive off the ferry, but, again, it started first time. And no problem starting the car since.
Can anyone explain what might have happened?