We have an occasional problem with starting our diesel Zafira when it has been parked facing uphill. The motor turns, and although the engine seems to catch, it feels fuel starved and simply won't start. The only action that will consistently start it is to put it in gear and use the starter motor to pull it up the hill for a metre or two.
Can anyone offer a diagnosis - it sounds like a fuel pump problem, but it would be useful to know if it's likely to be something else - and why does putting it in gear make a difference?
Would letting it roll backwards whilst in reverse gear (so the engine turns) be better than using the starter motor?