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.