Troubleshooting Egr

moosey

Hi, was recommended to come over here from a user at OpelAus after I posted having some issues with my car (Astra TS 2002 - has the z22se engine).

Question:
To check whether it's the EGR giving me the grief, can I simply unplug it from the ECU and run the car? I know the check engine light might show but will I cause any damage to the actual car? What's the worst that could happen?

I don't have an ECU code reader so I'd like to disconnect the EGR, drive it around the block a few times and see if the revs are still fluctuating and the car's still being messy. If it is the EGR I'll buy an EGR cheater and blanking plate and be a lot happier but I don't want to damage the car in the process.

Thanks!

IDI_AMIN

You can unplug it see what happens.It will not cause any damage Fluctuating revs could be a sign of a failing coil pack ,spark plugs . There could even be a leak in one of your vacuum hoses . Describe all your symptoms as best you can and more people will be able to help you

moosey

<u>this is what it was doing</u> at idle parked after about a minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubKo-gMBAS4

It's been to a couple of mechanics, had a new alternator and battery put in, throttle body cleaned all of the good stuff, going in for a service again next week so just looking to get some info to relay to the mechanic. Had this problem for a while and it's pretty intermittent, seems especially bad on hot days or after the car's been running for a while. If the mechanic gets to the bottom of it I'll let everyone know what it is but so far what I'm going to tell the mechanic is to check the coil packs, vacuum hose and EGR.

astra22bertoneauto

An egr valve can stick in the open position and may not give an eml light - seen this a couple of times now. You can unplug the egr and it wont do any damage to the engine but if it is stuck open you will get same symptoms. Most people just blank them off and fit an egr cheater instead.

vocky

remove the valve and check if it's stuck open, if it is simply tap the valve closed and retry, then fit a blanking plate

MikeS

looks like it is hunting, trying to find idle speed without cutting out

air leak, egr valve, dirty / faulty throttle body, coolant temp sensor