1.8 16V SXI 2001

BellC

Hi, I previously posted RE the 2.2 engines and the cam chain issues, because of this and I struggled to find one with FSH I decided against the 2.2 and swapped my Golf for this Astra 1.8 16V SXI with full service history, tinted windows, 3 owners from new, sports back box, recent cam belt and water pump with receipt, new brakes.

I have booked it in my local garage and it's gone in for a full service, replacement coolant sensor and thermostat as the temp needle wasn't moving properly only when car was station and running.

It's done around 130,000 miles so slightly more than my Golf but seems to drive spot on - no oil burning or coolant loss, my only concern is I drove it back from Leeds (180 miles) and it was fine soon as I was almost home I noticed it started to judder in 2nd, 3rd gear I have read up and heard it can be a number of things such as coil pack, EGR valve, spark plugs, leads, coolant sensor, is there anything else it could be and is it a common fault with these engines?

It drives fine apart from that, no knocks or noises from the engine etc, no leaks.

It was tested 2011 by previous owner because it was burning oil apparently, but the results came back OK. Compression was good.

I'm hoping the garage will resolve this issue anyway, is there anything I should watch on the 1.8 16V SXI Astra G on a 2001? any common faults or issues that may occur?

Regards,

Chris

Matt

The 1.8 engine used in the MK4 is pretty reliable. Do you know when the timing belt was last replaced?

BellC

Cars in garage as we speak having full service but there is a receipt for timing belt it hasn't long been done. Everyone claims the 1.8 engine is usually very reliable so hopefully this will be the case with mine. The mileage put me off slightly but it drives spot on.

Matt

Excellent, the timing belt would be the only thing I'd be worried about really.

BellC

I had an e-mail from the Garage today the juddering hasn't appeared on their 'test drive' so assume the new Coil pack or new spark plugs has resolved the issue. They scanned the car and the results were as follow;

P0100 - Mass air flow circuit fault, P0110 - IAT Sensor fault, P0303 - CYL 3 Missfire Fault codes were recorded with ECM. Above faults are cleared and no misfire was detected during the test drive. Assumed customer removed the MAF sensor plug. If the problems returned despite test drive, please arrange further diagnosis.
I haven't removed the MAF sensor plug and they have ordered me a new MAF sensor which they are fitting today.
the IAT Sensor fault is associated with the MAF fault according to them and will be resolved once MAF sensor is completed.
I assume these problems aren't anything too major?

evocarlos

our 1.8 vectra has p0110 at the moment
its funny cause as soon as you touch the accelerator the eml comes on then once up to speed it goes off then back on then off its like limp mode

BellC

It's strange my EML did appear once for a day then suddenly went off and hasn't appeared since, the garage said P0110 - IAT Sensor fault and I asked if the IAT sensor needed replacing but they said once the new MAF sensor was replaced it would resolve the PO110 fault or something like that.

The juddering was down to the misfire according to them and since replacing the plugs and coil pack it hasn't returned but we'll see once I collect the car if it returns.

MikeS

the iat might be integrated into the maf, the 1.8 engines suffer with loom - ecu problems throwing out MAF codes, also back of the throttle body there is loads of vacuum hoses that come lose and make out the maf is playing up

I am not being funny but now you got a 1.8 surely astra owners cub is more relevant rather than a forum for 2.2 engines

sandyc

I personally wouldn't have another Vauxhall with that type of engine again. Due to the numerous elusive running problems they seem to have.
I have also seen 2 different engines in 2 different cars belonging to 2 different guys dropping valves in piston 2 and wrecking the piston.
I just think they're soft really.