I'm failing the pedal test

DanMan

Hi guys,

Got a 2001 Astra. Last night I was on the motorway when the EML light came on. Tried performing the pedal test (both versions) but the EML didn't flash to give me a code.

The methods I tried:

1) - depress both brake and accelerator pedal with key out of the ignition
- insert key and turn to click 2 (lights on dash without turing on engine)

2) - depress both brake and accelerator pedal with key out of the ignition
- insert key and turn to click 2 (lights on dash without turing on engine)
- release accelerator pedal
- depress accelerator pedal again
- turn ignition off
- insert key and turn to click 2 (lights on dash without turing on engine)

When trying the second method, I observed that none of the lights on the dash went out after performing a self check - but no flashing EML.

One thing I did notice last night is that my fuel consumption has gone through the roof - this was just before the EML went on.

As for the work I've done on the car, so far I've only blanked off the EGR valve. I haven't fit an EGR cheater as I just plugged the old EGR valve back in and fit it on top of the plate - this was done a few weeks ago and the car has been alright, still a bit of a rough idle but definitely an improvement. Do I need a cheater? Why would it take so long for the EML to appear if that's the problem?

I was going to replace the CTS but haven't really had the weather for doing so over the past few weeks.

Anyway, is there a way I can get the fault codes without paying Vauxhall through the ring for it?

Cheers all

Dan

jwalker

Google the 'paperclip test'. Whereabouts are you?

DanMan

Cheers, for the reply. I'm in North London. Will google the paperclip test now and see wat I can find

Matt

Or, buy a cheap code reader from ebay, have a look for the U480.

DanMan

Yeah I figured that would be my alternative, just quite eager to find out what's wrong as I've got a 200 mile round trip coming up in the next couple days. Any reason why the pedal test doesn't work in my VX?

sandyc

If this all happened since you blanked the EGR then I would suspect that is your problem. The EGR probably isn't working now.
Before you invest in a code reader, clean it up and put it back in place. Also check for basically obvious stuff like vacum leaks and electrical connections.
Also check that your blanking plate is sealed and secured properly and isn't causing a leak.
I have seen folk spending hours and money chasing fault codes that end up being down to one silly thing like that.
Certain fault codes aren't conclusive and can send you on a proper wild goose chase of replacing sensors etc.

Sjdickso

I would not do the paper clip test at all. Buy yourself a cheap scanner, a U380 are ideal.

DanMan

It may or may not be the EGR valve, it's been about 4 weeks since I blanked it and no sign of an EML until last night. Can't work out why it would take more than a month for the EML to appear from it though. Will have a look at it this evening and make sure everything around it is nice and tight - otherwise I think I'm just gonna have to buy a reader.

Thanks for the replies guys

DanMan

Update: I tinkered a bit yesterday, unplugged the EGR valve and replugged it in. The EML was still on but I took the car for a run and went to put fuel in. Returned to the car after paying for petrol and bingo, the EML light was off...wondering if this is a fuel pump / pressure issue now?

sandyc

Mate I really think you are clutching at straws and thinking you have problems that you dont actually have. If you insist on blanking off the EGR then you will need a cheater to keep it running sweet. Simply leaving it plugged in and dangling will be causing your problems.

astra22bertoneauto

sandyc said:
Mate I really think you are clutching at straws and thinking you have problems that you dont actually have. If you insist on blanking off the EGR then you will need a cheater to keep it running sweet. Simply leaving it plugged in and dangling will be causing your problems.

I agree with above. Blanking egr just stops it recirculating exhaust gasses, with it plugged it its still talking to the ECU so if its playing up it will give you an EML light. Get a cheater and lob the egr valve in the bin :thumbup:

DanMan

Cheers for the replies guys. Sorry about the delay but was away on holiday...

I have ordered a cheater and will plug it in. At the moment the EGR valve is secured on top of the blanking plate but I will remove once the chip arrives and toss it in the bin.
Hopefully that'll sort everything out.

EML light did come back on during my 200 mile trip - again when the fuel level was below a quarter tank - so if the cheater doesn't sort out the problem then I guess I'll have to buy a reader.

Will update once the cheater is fitted

Matt

When did you order the cheater? A few more went out this morning, and I've had a few orders this afternoon, which will be posted tomorrow.

DanMan

Matt said:
When did you order the cheater? A few more went out this morning, and I've had a few orders this afternoon, which will be posted tomorrow.

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the reply. Ordered it before I went away and had it sent to my girlfriend's address so I expect it's already in the post somewhere.

Cheers again,

Dan