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[PAULCDX]

Hi All,

Mrs has got a Vectra C 1.8 Z18XE 2003 with a few issues, is there anybody on here that can help me out or put me in touch with a man that can lol 

Cheers

Paul 

[05omegav6]

You've done well to break it

What seems to be the problem?

[PAULCDX]

I miss my Omega TBH but seems we have turned a corner now and have gone onto the Veccy 

Few probs are :

Heaters don't work at all on any speed, all fuses checked and replaced anyway but no joy?
Engine light on and rough, erratic idle sometimes stalling?

Think that's all I've found so far 

Paul

[05omegav6]

Have you tried the heater resistor worth double checking the scuttle drain beneath the pollen filter just to be safe.

What service history? Might be as simple as plugs/coilpack have you tried the pedal trick?

[dazzerM]

I just got rid of my Vectra c 

Heater controls is a really common fault, didn't even bother to replace it as its that common almost like an optional extra 

It's ordinarily the resistor pack 

[PAULCDX]

There is paperwork from the last owner for a coil pack last year but fault is still there 

I'm thinking idle control valve or MAF maybe but until I find somebody to read the codes then I'ts all guess work 

I will attempt the pedal trick tomw if I'm confident enough 

Re the heaters, the motor / resistor is looking the likely culprit I think, hope they aren't expensive fixes 

[dazzerM]

Sorry missed the part about the idle

If you don't let all the dash lights go out and try to turn it over, does it struggle to start. Or does it appear worse when it's warm ?

I had the same issue with mine, it was the throttle positioning sensor but I had the throttle body replaced with a refurb item

Again common issue, mine started as erratic idle but got worse started to miss high rpm

I though coil pack, plugs but was proved wrong 

[PAULCDX]

Hi Dazzer,

The idle problem seems to get worse once warm, when sitting static the needle fluctuates, revs drop to the point where it cuts out completely it then throws up the orange engine light 

I need to get both issues looked at asap I think, no air con / heaters and idle problem......... Finding somebody to help me out will be great   

[05omegav6]

Open glovebox, 5 torx screws out and pull the glove box into the car, heater motor and resistor just there

Run 3 1.8s, done well over 380k, only newer one has been slightly troublesome. Key is sensible servicing. Ignore Vx schedules...

Oil and filter every 10k not 20k,
Plugs, air, pollen and fuel filter every 20k, should never miss a beat. Expect rad to fail at 100k ish.

Haynes book of blocks, whilst not quite as detailed as the Omega one, still useful...

[PAULCDX]

What is alarming is the car has full VX history but no mention of a cambelt change 

Car is now on 140k so I'm hoping to god it's at least had one done in it's life.

Thanks for the advice everyone   

[05omegav6]

Aircon not working, most likely a rotten condensor. Check when/if rad changed, easier to do both together, £110 for parts plus aircon regas

Fan not working, most likely resistor. Of the three cars, only one failed resistor, coincidentally scuttle drain blocked, flooding passenger footwell

[dazzerM]

Hi Dazzer,

The idle problem seems to get worse once warm, when sitting static the needle fluctuates, revs drop to the point where it cuts out completely it then throws up the orange engine light 

I need to get both issues looked at asap I think, no air con / heaters and idle problem......... Finding somebody to help me out will be great   

Hi Paul

Sounds identical to the issue I had.

If you have 5 minutes, remove the throttle body and give it a thorough clean with some carb cleaner or similar and a brush.

Replace, and it if it is defiantly that all being well should be fixed ?

I spoke to my local VX at length regarding mine and they advised that's all they would have done, for 48 quid.. Like I say mate 5 min job. The issue with the vec c the cambus system is a little to complex for its own good if you haven't got a "My Naff Code Reader" lying around disconnect the battery for a few moments prior to replacing the clean throttle body 

[PAULCDX]

Cheers Al,

I can live without the air con / fans for now but it's the idle issue which causes me most worry, I will attempt the pedal trick but I think a trip to a garage for a diag check may help to pin point problem.

If anybody local to me has the software / computer then PM me please   

Cheers,

Paul 

[PAULCDX]

Cheers for the advice Dazzer   

I will make a plan and get these issues sorted asap.   

[05omegav6]

What is alarming is the car has full VX history but no mention of a cambelt change 

Car is now on 140k so I'm hoping to god it's at least had one done in it's life.

Thanks for the advice everyone   

Interval is 60k, had one run to 100k but luck rather than judgement, (someone else misread the service book).

Change water pump and thermostat at the same time, 2-3 hours labour plus parts