Engine Trouble

[Vizzeh]

I own a 150bhp 2004 Vectra

I have had a look over the forum but not sure whats specfic to my problem, possibly EGR valve.

The car for the last few weeks was having trouble starting, next step, trouble starting and very clunky engine idle, the car wouldnt rev over idle speed for a few minutes and eventually with the accelorator pressed it rev'ed and car was fine. Until this morning it wouldnt start at all and i ran the battery dead.

I dont know much about diesels so thought it maybe the glow plugs, I had a go fitting them today after work, I found 1 had snapped from previous owner as it came out without ahead (no problems in my removal) so I tighned it back up and replaced the other 3. Charged the battery and the car still wont start....

To describe what happens, the engine sounds like its trying to fire, it sounds like its about to start but never quite reaches that final point.

Im at a loss of what to do tbh, any help will be appreciated

[Vizzeh]

Just resolved most of the problem, Cleaned the EGR valve completely, solinoid too via drilling etc and also did the boost sensor.

Car starts 100% and alot smoother, no noticable hesitation with the revs and sounds alot healthier. I disconnected the battery also to clear the spanner warning symbol.

As smoother as it seems though, i cant help think it has a couple off flat spots, and slight loss off power (altho i hope its my imagination as have been driving the bmw 330ci last few days)

There is that yellow light on underneath petrol gauge, is that an ecu light or something? or is it normal. Any ideas?

[the-wizard]

Try the injector plugs also, remove one at a time & spray with electrical contact spray!, then have a look at the how 2 for the 'clean & repair the throttle body'' this will help & hopefully solve it for sure.

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119346

[Vizzeh]

Thanks very much! will have a go at that later, very useful

[mparks8590]

do the airbox mod and put premium fuel like vpower or BP ultimate in it for a couple of tanks

that should clean up injectors nicely

and improve performance

[GazVXLINE170]

The little yellow light under the fuel gauge is the emissions light. You have a malfunctioning EGR valve imo.

With regards to the throttle body if you are experiencing violent juddering and unexpected shut downs then I would say the throttle body electronics have became open circuit. Your car is 2004 so it is possible that will suffer thsi albeit I don't think this is the problem in this case. I would say it is the EGR valve as you cleaned it and the light came on.

If I were to unplug the EGR valve on mine after a period of time that emissions light would come on.

Gazza4

[mparks8590]

i used to get shutdown judder but i now leave engine to run for a minute or so on tickover before closing down, no such problems now....

accept the electrics in throttle body can be a pain

[Vizzeh]

Thought everything was going fine until this morning.

Was leaving the car with the light on for a while until the snow cleared, have someone I know with a laptop to plug the car into to test fully.

Now though I seem to be back to square one, even after cleaning the EGR valve and it was PERFECT (apart from the light) power was better than it ever had been under my ownership. (to confirm it wasnt starting, cleaned EGR, then started and was working well)

But now she wont start again, same issue .... there is that little hole i drilled to get to to the solinoid, is it possible moist air has got in and ceased it?

Im guessing New EGR valve completely? what you think.. arghh Cars are great when their running but when their not lol ugghh

[Vizzeh]

Anyone recomend blanking the egr valve too? I assume this stop the egr getting dirty once clean? (if I need a new one)

[GazVXLINE170]

Some have blanked the EGR valve and most have fitted the Fiat restricting gaskets. I have fitted the Fiat restrictor plates.

Gazza4