2.2 2003 Vectra Strange Warning Light Problem?

[sophos9]

Hi,

Picked up a 2003 2.2 Vectra SRI on the weekend for the missus – the car is lovely and was flawless over the 260 mile return journey

I just got a text from her saying she has seen some light up on the dash, the car is running fine so was hoping for some help

Ok, the first light that flashed on was the ABS light, only momentarily

Second light was the battery light which flashed on several times, she said when this happened the dials went mental

Third light that flashed up was a triangle with skid marks on it (traction control?)

Do you have any idea what may have caused this and how I can start diagnosing??

Many thanks in advance

[Maddog1974]

I reckon it could be an alternator charging problem. QUite often brings up other warning lights as the battery voltage is low.

Only sure way is a diagnostic check which would bring up 'Low Voltage' fault codes

[sophos9]

Hi mate, thanks for the reply!

Possibly and under or over current seems probable, has only done it once today? Will test the charging circuit when the missus gets back.

Bummer, tech 2 with CANdi module is not as easy as a paper clip - any idea on a good OBDII with CAN code reader?

Have you seen the ELM interfaces? They look good...

[Maddog1974]

To be honest never messed around with software & interfaces for a computer. When i was at the auto electrical place we had some very expensive bosch kit!

I recall reading on here about one the other day though!

Could always connect you meter to the back of the cigar lighter so when the lights come on you can see voltage as its intermittant?

[sophos9]

Would love a tech 2 with CANdi, would be ace!

Shes back and the car has been totally fine, possible earth or lose connection?

[sophos9]

Measured charging current - 14.1v which is well within spec, no other problems found?

Going to be a fun one this

[Maddog1974]

At a hunch i would say its just an intermittant fault so i would keep the meter in the car so when you get the warning lights see what the voltage is doing.

We had loads of cars that tested fine at the workshop but 3 miles up the road it would go pete tong! We even had a rolling road but the didnt induce many faults at its dead smooth.

Could be a connection fault but would try and eliminate things 1 by 1

[IamtheStig]

From the dark depths of the brain matter i can remember reading on here that some early models did suffer from dodgy instrument clusters - think someone managed to get one replaced under warrenty - not much use in your case i know but that may be the problem

[sophos9]

Quick update...

The car has been fine for a while now then yesterday, the battery light came on twice, bummer

Today I am ordering a VAUX-COM diagnostic set to grab the error codes and do some output testing (as well as immobiliser & key programming) - I can also do some live/freeze testing

I thought it was only the CDTI that suffered from the CIM/ABS problem that would cause the displays to malfunction?

[sophos9]

Got the VAUX-COM, quick diagnostic revealed a fair few CAN Bus communication errors

Engine was reporting:
P0500 - Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
(00) - Present

P1390 - <Unknown DTC>
(00) - Present

P1395 - <Unknown DTC>
(00) - Present

U2108 - CAN-Bus no Communication with ABS/TC
(00) - Not present

Cleared error codes and upon several restarts, no more error codes were found

Power Steering:
U2103 - No Communication with CAN-Bus (High Speed)
(00) - Not present

U2105 - CAN-Bus ECM Message Range/Performance
(71) - Not present

U2139 - CAN-Bus No Communication with CIM (Steering Column Module)
(00) - Not present

ABS
U2103 - No Communication with CAN-Bus (High Speed)
(00) - Present

Cleared codes and none have returned, did also reprogram the high-speed bus. Will be heading off for a geometry set-up and 4 wheel balance so will test again after driving 50odd miles

Any thoughts?