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Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by jamie lambert on April 3, 2008, 10:29 pm
Message modified by board administrator January 8, 2009, 7:49 am

Hi everybody
Have got the above vehicle in the workshop at the mo. Came in with mil light on and misfire, fault coded came up with P0303 cylinder 3 misfire and P0300 multiple cylinder misfire. Renewed spark plugs and coil pack using original delphi coil, road tested seemed fine until coming back to workshop. Mil light started flashing engine started misfiring and light came on constant. Fault coded again and same fault codes, checked primary ignition all 4 signals were good. Not sure but does the E.C.U switch off the fuel injector when a misfire is detected? The oxygen content in the exhaust gas was very high not sure what reading didn't write it down. Switched the engine off and back on and the misfire had gone and it ran perfect! Had same problem with another astra just a few months ago same year and engine. Tried 2 different coil packs on and still the same,didnt get to the bottom of it customer traded vehicle in. Has anybody had similar faults or could suggest anything would be much appreciated.

Many thanks Jamie.

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by lee mackintosh <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1348' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2008, 10:33 pm, in reply to "vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Lee Mackintosh

may be a sticking valve problem, add flushing oil and run upto operating temp then change oil and filter.

Not sure if ecu switches off injectors if a misfire is detected, it may do if its a constant misfire but random misfires i doubt.

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by Shaun Dale <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2719' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 4, 2008, 9:45 am, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Shaun Dale

I've got a funny feeling they do switch off the injector if the misfiring is bad enough to risk catalyst damage. IIRC this is reset if you stop and restart the engine. The problem is of course that the misfire could be ignition, injection or mechanical (i.e. sticky valve as mentioned) but alway ends up with the injector switched off.
I replaced an injector in a Pug 106 once but I think it was a dodgy plug that was causing the misfire as I had to put a set in before it would run properly

.
Have you checked the injectors electrically, I use an inductance meter now rather than a resistance test as it shows up the faults much better (I started a thread on this recently, look in the archives).
HTH, Shaun

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by peter doughty <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1444' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 4, 2008, 8:49 pm, in reply to "vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Peter Doughty

Jamie
The ecu will stop injection on any cylinder where a misfire is detected. The injector will be reset when the ignition is turned off and then on.
There was an ECU update for an EGR fault that would give you this fault, the EGR is programmed to be open for to long thus carbon will deposit on the valves. The main dealer will have a special reamer to open up the valve guides as they are aware of this problem.

Regards

Peter

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by jamie lambert <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1460' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 7, 2008, 6:50 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Jamie Lambert

Hi guys
Thanks for all your replies. Peter there was a p0400 code stored before this problem occured and also it was stalling at junctions. I renewed the E.G.R valve and seemed to be o.k but few days after that then it started misfiring. So if i get in touch with the main dealer they'll update the E.C.U and that might sort the problem out.
regards jamie

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by chris angus <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5111' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 9, 2008, 12:13 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"

There is an update to disable the EGR for ever for all Z16XE engines, you will need to fit a blanking gasket too, part number 55560700.

Another problem on a Z18XE I had was random missfires and loss of power, I checked this a couple of times and could never fault it. I updated the software but the TIS didn't say what the version fixed, anyway it was cured, ran perfect after that.

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by jamie lambert <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1460' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 10, 2008, 9:00 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Jamie Lambert

Hi guys
Car coming back in next week going to try flushing and changing the oil. Also going to try some forte gas treatment and top end treatment. Dont know if it will do anything never had much sucsess. Will keep you posted.

Regards Jamie

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by Stephen Wright <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1023' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2008, 12:38 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"

Hi jamie i know it was a while ago but how did you get on with the astra you had in back in april with the misfire and showing code p0300 p0303. Would be intrested to haer your fix for it as we have got a corsa in with the same fault codes. i know the vauxhalls do suffer with misfire problems as we had one that would shut down injector 3 it turned out to be the ecu. Thanks Steve

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by jamie lambert <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1460' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 21, 2008, 6:25 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Jamie Lambert

Hi Stephen
Never got to the bottom of this one, after telling the customer that it wanted an oil flush with gas treatment and top end treatment she agreed. Bought a load of forte motor flush, gas treatment and top end treatment told her that i had got it and she said she didnt want it doing

.She said that her boyfriend had put a oxygen sensor on and it was o.k, was very pi**ed off but there you go.

Regards Jamie

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by Ian Staples <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1121' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 4, 2009, 10:00 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Ian Staples

Hiya

Ive had this a few times with vauxhalls, had one last week with same engine code and year actually. Sounds like you've checked the obvious but i'll run through what i check anyway, not in any order. Hope it helps.

Check the plugs and coil.

Replace the EGR valve, they have a habbit of staying open and its often a waste of time cleaning them, and only fit genuine as ive has too many comebacks from anything other than genuine. And yes there is a modification to do away with this valve.

Check the injectors, swap them around and clear the codes and see if the misfire moves, but ive never had an injector give grief on vauxhalls.

Check/replace the lambda sensor, but thats normally a short term cure. And i cant see the sensor giving you this problem.

What ive often found is the engine is burning oil, causing poor spark/random misfires and the ECU cuts the injector off on the worst cylinder. Test it by running the engine from cold with the scanner connected and set up to view the lambda signal as a graph, and at the same time have a gas tester up it. Hold the RPM at about 2000 and watch the CO% and O2 readings on the gas against the lambda on the scanner, just before the light comes on and the injector is shut off the CO% will go 1% 2% etc, the O2 will go 6 7 8 etc, and the lambda sensor on the scanner will indicate rich for a second then go constant lean. If you watch the lambda sensor graph carefully you will see it building up to the misfire as occasionally the sensor will only peak to about 500-600mv. Take the plugs out and have a look down the bores with a light, you should see them glisten back at you.

I wouldnt get too down about that customer having an "expert" fit a lambda sensor, i think they will be back with the vehicle with the fault still there.

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by martin stackemann <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1721' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2009, 3:42 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Martin Stackemann

Hi guys,I'm a new subsciber very interested in some comments,Re Ian Staples comment about EGR valve mod i had one from dealer with gasket with one hole blocked off told dealer gasket faulty they said its modified and correct .How does that work? and recycle gasses? Bet it just makes valves last longer and not coke up.Comments?

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by raymond ferreday <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5108' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2009, 2:38 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Raymond Ferreday

on some of the vauxhalls using tech 2 you can repromgram out the egr system and the bank it of with the gasket that was fitted. ray

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by aidan birley <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2879' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2009, 2:41 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Aiden Birley

Hi Martin

My understanding is

The Mod applies to SOME vauxhall engines, Gasket blocks off the ERG, Engine MUST have a software upgrade via tech 2 at the same time.In effect it just stops the EGR function, but also stops fault code being flagged for inactive EGR.

Mod was introduced due to EGR sticking, fault was recurring only few months after new valve fitted. reason given was it is Due to engine starting burning oil.

I have had a few done, cheaper & more effective than a new EGR

Problem is finding exactly which engines are covered, our dealer wont Tell me, ask for £50 to plug in and see ! so don't use them on principle, use local mobile.

Cheers Aidan

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by David Clayson <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1143' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2009, 3:16 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
David Clayson

Hi Ray

To reprogram the EGR valve with tech 2 is this done through SPS or is there another option to do it?

Many thanks

David

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by Dave Hill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2783' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 11, 2009, 7:18 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"

wrong thread

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by lee mackintosh <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1348' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2009, 8:09 am, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Lee Mackintosh

This si a bodge but does work and is a litle messey.

In the past what i've done is hold open the valve on the EGR to its full extent then cut it off as far up the stem as possible. This way the valve stem still moves and the ECU will think its still fitted and have feedback voltage.

Re-fit the egr valve and a blanking gasket and all works ok as ecu still thinks the egr is working but its not actually recirculating any gasses so so carboned up valve.

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by Darren Bamford <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5465' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2009, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"

Hi Lee

I don't think that method will not work and the engine MIL will still come back on, may take a little longer but it will still come on.

As well as the feedback from the actual valve the ECU can check Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow and operation via the MAP sensor.

On petrol engines EGR venting tends to happen on light throttle and cruise conditions.

under these conditions the MAP reading would be constant also the ECU know's how much throttle is applied. The slight change in manifold pressure when the egr opens will be detected. The ECU can cross ref this data and confirm egr flow.....

You always have to think outside of the box these days with strategies and ecu operation.

This is why the ECU software is re flashed to disable the EGR function and monitoring.

HTH

Darren...........

Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE

Posted by lee mackintosh <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1348' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 12, 2009, 8:35 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Lee Mackintosh

fair enough but i've had one running like this for 5 weeks and no light back on yet and no problems whilst driving.

I can post a fix for this original problem, just had identical car !

Posted by tony bickers <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5143' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 15, 2009, 10:12 pm, in reply to "Re: vauxhall astra 2001 1.6 Z16XE"
Tony Bickers

Just had in identical car 2001 Astra G Z16XE with PO 300, 301 302, 303 codes logged, running like a dog. Codes read as above, had a genuine coilpack in stock, which I tried because this is a common fault and has cured some but made no difference on this one( Intermotor coil fitted

) so looked a bit deeper, on cranking compression felt down on at least one cylinder but did not have my comp. tester with me to test, and two plugs were oiling up in a very short time putting MIL on,on driving MIL flashing which must be when injector shut down to protect cat?This was clearly an engine mechanical fault as using borescope the bores were saturated in oil.

The cure,2 cans of Forte gas treatment in the tank (quarter full, just right!) Forte engine flush into engine run at 1500 rpm for an hour,changed oil and filter 5/30 Ford oil used,and a top end treatment added as well engine was totally different, however, on live data at 3000rpm b1s1, o2 sensor flat lined, You have already guessed, electrical noise from Intermotor coilpack was upsetting switching, fitted the genuine pack that I had in stock and threw the Intermotor unit over the hedge and car was transformed ! Forte call their products "liquid engineering" , in this particular case what a result, this car has done 108000 miles and has had numerous parts fitted at several garages at great expense and a few additives do the trick, hope this may help others with similar problems.

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Glen Strachan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=ukat1463' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 30, 2013, 8:59 am, in reply to "Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"

Can anyone tell me how this detects misfire ? I'm guessing via crank sensor ?
I have one that has a slightly rough idle, before logging the code and then goes on to have a proper miss when it shuts down injector cyl 4. Cycle the key and we are back on 4

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Mark Carter <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1428' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 30, 2013, 9:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"
Mark Carter

Yes Sir, via the CPS

Mark

Modern cars, Its all wizardry and witchcraft

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Glen Strachan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=ukat1463' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 2, 2013, 8:35 am, in reply to "Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"

Thanks Mark, I take it there is no software update to 'widen' the misfire detection window ?

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Mark Carter <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1428' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 2, 2013, 12:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"
Mark Carter

Probably best to start a new post giving full details?

Mark

Modern cars, Its all wizardry and witchcraft

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Glen Strachan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=ukat1463' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 3, 2013, 3:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"

Will probably create a new thread in fixed and gone later, but I have this one almost there !
Turns out where the oil pressure switch had been leaking, oil has travelled up the wiring loom and is all in the ECU plug.
Chances are it has filled the 02 sensors as well as they are the lowest point

Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #

Posted by Mark Carter <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1428' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 3, 2013, 7:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Z16XE 2001 - MIL on and misfire P0303 P0300 #"
Mark Carter

Would not be the first.

Mark

Modern cars, Its all wizardry and witchcraft

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