EML On :(

[Adamant]

Hi All,

I've got a Vec 2004 1.8 (pre the electrical changes in 2004, it had the old radio and clock in it).

Fault codes (read via flash are
0567 - Cruise Stalk
0704 - Clutch Switch
1565 - ABS Something
0301 - Misfire Cyl 1
0304 - Misfire Cyl 4

I've known the cruise hasn't been working for ages but don't do many motorway miles these days so not bothered with it so I guess that's the first two.

I had the ABS light come on in the snow after a bit of wheelspin and figured I'd chucked some ice + snow up into the sensor, after an hour or so the light was gone.

I'd imagine that explains the first 3 and leaves just the misfire in cyls 1 and 3.

Just before this happened, I had hesitation under the pedal so floored the gas to see what was happening! Upon flooring it, the light came on.

I'm about due for the service (last one was about 18months ago and just under 20k). I do it myself so am happy to perform a service - plugs were replaced about 40-50k ago so could probably do with replacing.

However, I'm doubtful it's a plug with misfires in two cylinders at the same time - I replaced the crankshaft sensor about 60k ago, but have never replaced the cam sensor.

Cambelt is pretty much due for replacement anyway (just coming onto 40k now, needs replacing by latest service interval but original service interval was 60k so who knows!)

This happened just after the wife had filled up with fuel so I'm a little suspect of the fuel but I'd expect to see other fault codes if it was a fuel issue?

Turned engine off and on a few times, fault is still there. Odd thing is when I turn the key to on, I get a loud relay click under the bonnet but not the usual whirr of the fuel pump (hopefully you guys know what I mean!).

Does the fuel pump not prime the same way in limp mode? Or could it possibly be a faulty fuel pump.

There's no spanner or anything on the dash, just the little EML on the bottom right!

Lastly, on revving to over 3.5k I get a slight belt whine from under the hood, I'm guessing this is the Aux belt as it's currently really cold and damp outside?

Anyone got any ideas where to start, or will it be a case of just working through everything bit by bit until something sorts it?

[Das]

40-50k on the same plugs, lol, I bet the gap on them is huge by now. Id change them first as its the cheapest and easiest to rule out, if that dont cure it, could be the coil pack. Timing belt is 6 years or 60k, did mine at 6yrs/44k and it was in good condition. You can get a VX timing belt kit off ebay for about £50, £40 less than the dealers. Disconnect the Aux belt, its only on a pre sprung tensioner and see if the whine goes away. Fault codes clear after 10 days if the fault has cleared, the EML will clear when the fault goes away, chances are its just because its running rich because of the misfire.

[Adamant]

OK, Plugs out and changed - they were proper dead.

However, still got the EML and limp mode - although it "feels" a bit better.

Would the coil pack just turn on the EML and no spanner light? If so, then that's probably the next thing to try!

[Adamant]

Hi All,

Just to update, I tried a coil pack and made no difference. At high revs, could hear a brief squeal that sounded similar to a slipping belt, mechanic thought it sounded like an air leak so went with him.

As usual (I trust this guy!), he was spot on. Listened to the air leak and revving the car made him think the cat may be causing it. Disconnecting the downpipe from the cat and no rumble of an un-silenced exhaust - the cat was pretty much completely blocked.

He smashed it out for me so I can drive it for now and the car is driving as good as new (I forgot it ever had this much power, it must have been going for a long time as it hasn't driven this good in a long time!).

I now just need to get a cat in time for the next MoT!