Vauxhall dealer Killed my Car!

[Rock]

Well following on from the terrible idle, and then subsequently the TC light coming on, and the car going into limp mode I decided to take the car to my local Vauxhall dealer (A A Clarke) to see what they suggested.

Jamie had read fault codes for cylinder misfires on cylinders 2, 4 and 6 which pointed at a problem somewhere on bank 2.

A A Clarke diagnosed a faulty coil pack on bank 1. I pointed out what we had previously seen and he insisted that bank 1 was at fault. I asked him how confident he was that it would fix the problem and he said "extremely confident!"

Next day and the part arrives, and surprise surprise the part made no difference. The new diagnosis is that the Cat is blocked on the bank 2 side. At this stage I decided to get the car home cos they were clearly guessing at my expense.

A A Clarke towed the car to my house because it now wouldn't even run. (It does start but dies immediately)

These are the notes from the service sheet.

Carried out Tech2 test for poor running and found EML light n/w. Removed dash assembly and replaced bulb. Reset all learned values and upgraded ECU. Carried out data list checks and found alternator charging at 12.9V. Re-started vehicle from cold and found vehicle misfiring with trouble codes relating to coil pack bank 1.

Fitted new coil pack but vehicle still the same. Multiple misfires detected. Re-checked and found near side Catalytic Converter bloked and possible faul with off side too.

Any advice on where to start would be hugely appreciated.

[Taxi_Driver]

Well i would change the plugs....if you havent already done so....as its the cheap option....then change the coil pack on bank2.....i assume that 2,4,6 are bank 2....i would believe Jaime...than the vx dealer....but just suprised they went for bank1.....oh thinking about it no im not!!

I personally, would refuse to pay for the part and insist they put the old one back in as it made no difference .......vx dealers  

[Taxi_Driver]

Well i would change the plugs....if you havent already done so....as its the cheap option....then change the coil pack on bank2.....i assume that 2,4,6 are bank 2....i would believe Jaime...than the vx dealer....but just suprised they went for bank1.....oh thinking about it no im not!!

I personally, would refuse to pay for the part and insist they put the old one back in as it made no difference .......vx dealers  

Dont suppose the coil packs are swapable are they? to see if fault swaps to other bank?

[Rock]

I did wonder that myself, but apparently they are different.

[TheBoy]

They are different.

Just check that plugs wells passenger side aren't full of oil as a starter...

[Taxi_Driver]

I did wonder that myself, but apparently they are different.

I was unsure....coz i looked in my book and it lists 2.5/3.0 as the same.....but they will have dis pack, not coil pack......2.6 it lists as 2,4,6 coil pack....no mention of 1,3,5 .....so you can get the 2,4,6 bank on TC card but not the 1,3,5 one....work that one out!  :-/

I'd still go for the coil pack......tho others may have another idea  

[Rock]

Lol, my dealer says Coil Pack 2 isn't a TC item!

[TheBoy]

Lol, my dealer says Coil Pack 2 isn't a TC item!

Your dealer is full of shit  


2.6/3.2 (cylinders 1, 3, 5)  9118114 £93.33 £84.00 £70.00

 
2.6/3.2 (cyl. 2, 4, 6) 9118115 £93.33 £84.00 £70.00

[Marks DTM Calib]

Well we know that!


If it was me I would complain to the dealer principle and if no joy telephone Vaux customer service in Luton. Demand a refund for the coil pack fitted or a free one for cylinders 2,4,6.

[Rock]

I haven't paid for the coil pack for bank 1, and they have removed it and put the original one back in.

All i've paid for is a bulb at one pound something and an hour and a half labour for tech 2 diagnostics and fitting the bulb.

I will get up early tomorrow morning and attempt to get the plugs out and give the wells a clean out. If they are full of oil, what is the best way to clean them up? Just soaking up with some kitchen towel or something?

[TheBoy]

I haven't paid for the coil pack for bank 1, and they have removed it and put the original one back in.

All i've paid for is a bulb at one pound something and an hour and a half labour for tech 2 diagnostics and fitting the bulb.

I will get up early tomorrow morning and attempt to get the plugs out and give the wells a clean out. If they are full of oil, what is the best way to clean them up? Just soaking up with some kitchen towel or something?

If they are full of oil, your cam gaskets have gone and need replacing (and breathers cleaning).  I only asked about the plug wells as trying to think what can cause misfires on that bank...

[Marks DTM Calib]

Its not unknown for the coil pack to go......is the ECU light still on?

[TheBoy]

Mark - is there a way of measuring coil pack resistance etc to see if problematic. I know their AC and DC characteristics are ver, very different though...

[Marks DTM Calib]

Primary....possibly (ECU would spot this fault though)....secondary, I suspect not as we think they have air gaps in them.

You usualy use a set of test plugs and fire the coils via tech 2 to check them

[Rock]

Its not unknown for the coil pack to go......is the ECU light still on?

When i turn the ignition on the ECU light stays on, as does the one with the pic of an engine on it.

I just started the car and floored the accelerator and it revved for about a second but very quickly died again. When it dies it almost sounds like its being suffocated, and the smell outside the car is really nasty.