18 replies to this topic

[Star]

hello all a little story for a cold friday night... I had begun to notice during the past week , that the car "stuttered" under hardish accleration at high speed. I tried to ignore it, knowing that this is a problem that needs to take a back seat because I've got a few others to deal with first (haven't we all). Just an hour ago, I was accelerating and all of a sudden the engine note changed, that car stuttered and the eml (engine management light- for noobs) light started flashing for about 20 seconds then it stayed on. I was very worried. what the hell has happened to it? It sounded really rough, a bit like a subaru impreza actually, and power was greatly reduced. when coming off the throttle, the engine sounded fine but when throttle was on, it juddered etc. I was wondering wether a hose had come loose, started to deform and constrict or that something more serious was the problem. I nursed it back home and turned off the engine, not knowing whether I was going to hear it again. I logged onto this site and did a search, a very familiar story has already been told so I start to calm my nerves. I've just been back out and restarted the car, the eml light was on, on ignition but went out and the car seems to idle fine... the purpose of this story is to ask you knowlegeable ones on here, what I should do next. I'm going to check all the hoses tomorrow but should I disconnect the MAF sensor? Should I reset the ECU? And has anyone else fixed whats caused this in the first place? Also, thank god for this site, its such a good resource. I'm off to bed now...

[mandarinvx]

Coul be water ingress

[Nev]

The primary thing to do is read the errors out of the ODB II port. I suspect it will point you to the right component thats failed/bust.

Edited by Nev, 02 January 2009 - 09:57 PM.

[Star]

I'm going to check the DIS pack tomorrow, cheers mandarin. Its mostly under cover but it was raining and windy as hell so its very possible. I need to buy an OBD, which one should I get? I know nothing about them.

[Yellow_or_black?]

Hey Star

Is it the same issue as this?: http://www.vx220.org...s...3109&hl=obd

[Keif]

I assume as VX220 use Z series Vauxhall Engines, you'll be able to self read any Fault codes. With keys out of ignition - press both brake & accelerator pedal at same time and keep them pressed to the floor.... insert key and turn to 2nd click - ignition on but DONT START THE ENGINE Keep both pedals pressed throughout the procedure.... the EML/service will flash just like previous Vauxhall models (when doing the paperclip test) You will probably find the light flashes 10 times first then a pause then another number, a pause, another number, a pause then another number of flashes. I say 10 times for the first one as 10 flashes = a ZERO on the fault code and most engine related faults range from P0001 to P0999 If for instance u have the following sequence 10 flashes pause 3 flashes pause 10 flashes pause 10 flashes this equals 10,3,10,10 which in turn equates to 0,3,0,0 or P0300 which in turn is "Multiple cylinder misfire" 10 is the only number that becomes another number 1-9 flashes remain a 1-9 code if that makes any sense Then once you have your code(s), do a google with the words "Vauxhall and Pxxxx" (whatever the code is) and see what it comes up with. Hops that helps.

[skott vxt]

hello all

a little story for a cold friday night...

I had begun to notice during the past week , that the car "stuttered" under hardish accleration at high speed. I tried to ignore it, knowing that this is a problem that needs to take a back seat because I've got a few others to deal with first (haven't we all).

Just an hour ago, I was accelerating and all of a sudden the engine note changed, that car stuttered and the eml (engine management light- for noobs) light started flashing for about 20 seconds then it stayed on.

I was very worried. what the hell has happened to it? It sounded really rough, a bit like a subaru impreza actually, and power was greatly reduced.
when coming off the throttle, the engine sounded fine but when throttle was on, it juddered etc. I was wondering wether a hose had come loose, started to deform and constrict or that something more serious was the problem.

I nursed it back home and turned off the engine, not knowing whether I was going to hear it again. I logged onto this site and did a search, a very familiar story has already been told so I start to calm my nerves.

I've just been back out and restarted the car, the eml light was on, on ignition but went out and the car seems to idle fine...

the purpose of this story is to ask you knowlegeable ones on here, what I should do next.

I'm going to check all the hoses tomorrow but should I disconnect the MAF sensor?
Should I reset the ECU?
And has anyone else fixed whats caused this in the first place?

Also, thank god for this site, its such a good resource.

I'm off to bed now...

My car was doing this just be for xmas turned out to be OXY sensor , one nearest to engine but they did try to sell me a new ECU first, my vx is a turbo so don`t know if an N/a would be diifferent, Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

[supersaint71]

Hey Star

Is it the same issue as this?: http://www.vx220.org...s...3109&hl=obd

sounds pretty much exactly the same.. OBD II reading is the way forward mine came up with misfire cyl 1.

I took the coil pack out and it was dripping in water I dried and changed the plugs and it went away.. though I did notice that when going up a steep hill yesterday i could feel it again so im keeping an eye on it.. In my case I dont think it was O2 sensor or MAF as I could get readings from these on the OBD II software.. hope this helps. Would be interested in how it turns out.

[MEAGY]

intake hose collapesing?

[P11 COV]

Coul be water ingress

Sounds like mind did when it did that,

[Star]

thanks for your replies everyone. I'm going to check the hoses and for water today and tomorrow, and cheers to keef for the engine code post.

[chris_uk]

does it sound /act like this?

http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=7zZFi_Pd9FI

this was the coil pack that was dead and was misfiring on one of the cylinders.

Edited by chris_uk, 03 January 2009 - 12:46 PM.

[speedster]

Is there any clear and definite way to test the coil packs on the NA and VXT?

[Star]

hi chris_uk that is exactly what it sounded like. That fact that video exists to inform is thanks very much, believe it or not, I still haven't had a chance to check the damn thing and now its dark. I'll be doing it tomorrow. If I solve it, I'll be sure to post exactly what it was for future reference. thanks everyone

[supersaint71]

Is there any clear and definite way to test the coil packs on the NA and VXT?

[cheeky_chops]

Is there any clear and definite way to test the coil packs on the NA and VXT?

swap with a known good one. Thats what i did, not that.....

[Star]

Update

I tightened up three jubilee clips on the air intake pipe bit when I got to the one near the engine I tightened it and it snapped! I've yet to fit another one, although it seems to be on very tight already.
On top of that, I tried to very carefully, disconnect the DIS pack to check the plugs and broke the fekkin clip cos I was trying to gently move the tab with a screwdriver!!!!

Does anyone know where I can get a new clip? I looked at the part number here
http://www.speedster...td.)/index.html
and it looks like the whole loom will have to be bought!

I'm going to check the relays in the boot. Probably break them too...

[Star]

Just to complete this topic, and to inform anyone else who had the same problems, I was advised to change the spark plugs to NGK Iridiums as the bosch super4's I'd been running had been blowing out under maximum boost presssure. The car now runs fine (better than before actually) with no problems (touch wood). Thanks to everyone who replied, much appreciated. and another MASSIVE recommendation to Courteney Motorsport!

[ratboiler]

If it's a turbo your AMM (air mass meter) has gone Classic symtem, accellerate hard slight loss of power then the light comes on and it start running rough as a pig in limp home mode. £120 from Vauxhall 10min fit