Help With A Vauxhall

[6Speed]

If it was the pot tension ometer it would drive like a bag of **** all the time and either drink petrol or run really lean. This fault used to affect the red top 16v. Im sure it will be the idle air valve (idle speed controller).

[MacRS200]

I would say the idle control valve is the problem, had the same thing on an old Sierra. Took the valve off, dismantled it, gave it a clean out and squirted some WD40 in to free the spool off and it worked fine after that.

Also had a problem with the throttle potentiometer on the same car, at a certain throttle opening the car would cut out. Tested it and at one point it went "open circuit". Don't think that is the problrm though as the car ran fine on any other throttle position.

[javadude]

this is a common fault with the 16v engine, along with all the other sensors that go tits up eventually

On my 16v cavalier it seemed like every electronic sensor died one at a time, needing a trip to the dealer and £100 each time. Eventually the diagnositic connection itself corroded away (on a 7yr old car) and they said next time it'd need a new wiring loom throught the car too. It would also develop a severe misfire after cruising for 2hrs on the motorway which the dealers could never reproduce. Oh and it seemed to eat plug leads. The petrol tank even rusted so bad that it developed a leak when it was 4 years old.

The idea getting a reliable Lexus was pretty appealing.

[Mattie]

You are all on the right tracks :winky:

Firstly, has the vehicle been fitted with the breather modification? This will be a black collector box at the front of the engine (on crankcase breather pipe). Vauxhall were aware of this problem and introduced this modification. Its only £10 from Vauxhall, so if it is not fitted, buy one. This will not cure the problem but should help prevent it in future. Also, make sure the engine oil is regularly changed. Dirty oil will only promote this problem.

To solve this problem, firstly clean throttle body thoroughly with carb cleaner. This includes the butterfly (especially on edges). If this is sticking slightly it will have poor idle and will stall.

Next, check the the little hole at the back of the throttle body (above butterfly) is not blocked.

Next, as the guys have said here, remove idle valve. Split and clean thoroughly. Remember to get a new gasket from Vauxhall before re-fitting.

Finally, take off all breather pipes and clean out thoroughly. clogged up breathers tend to cause the erratic idling.

If you still get problems, PM me and I will let you know the other likely cause :winky:

9/10 if you do all of the above, it should be fine