Hi I am a sucker for astra vans and seem to have a multitude of problems with everyone I get. This time I have bought a 1.7 CDTI on a 04 plate and the problem is as follows: It has been starting first time on the button no problemd but started loosing power at about 30mph momentarily and again at about 55-60mph. The problem then seemed to go away but started again a day later but this time would loose power momentarily when I switched the lights on? come of the gas a little and excelerate again its ok but very jerky, turn the lights off and all good again. I know it sounds weird but this really is happening. The latest is that this morning I tried to start it and it took 2 turns of the key, no big problem but a point to note for me, it is now running quite lumpy, jerky and the lights on, lights off has gone away. I have heard mention something about a egr valve problem but to be honest I am completly blind to it. I dont know what it is, what it does or where in the engine it is. Please please help, all advice is greatley appreciated. Thank you Rob
Astra van 04 plate lumpy/jerky at 30 or 60mph?
- Thread starter Robpoole
- Start date
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If it was definitly being affected by the lights being on that suggests low battery voltage, could be a faulty alternator. Check the voltage across the battery with the engine running, it should be a little over 14 volts, much less and you have a problem. It could now be permantly low
Peter
Peter
new alternator fitted not too long ago and charging ok. As I wrote earlier that fault has now dissapeared and the van is now running very jerky, lumpy especially at around 2000rpm. Add to that it nots starting first time like it was yesterday and I am getting a little worried. Has anyone else experienced these syptoms with the Mk4 astra van.
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I'd be looking at replacing the crank position sensor, I think.
John
John
Presumably the van was jumping about before this episode, Rob?
John
John
if the fault existed before the petrol was put in id suggest getting the EDU tested. This is the diesel injection pump control module and it is a common fault with these engines. I had one go down in my astra estate diesel and the fault started like that....got stranded on the M1 when it finally burned out due to dry solder joints from poor manufacture.
Ok next enstalment ! I have drained the petrol out of my diesel doooh and it is starting and running ok now. Checked the lack of power with lights on saga and it is still there. If I drive with no lights on the van drives smooth and nice, as soon as I put the lights on it turns into a jerky, jumpy monster and it is pretty much imposible to drive smoothly. Lights of all ok, I will get the EDU checked as suggested next week by I presume any garage or does it has to be specific type? Once I have had it done I will keep all you very helpful people informed. Thanks again everyone.
i fail to see how having the lights on regardless of voltage at the battery will have any effect on the cars engine. On the astra engine management, any fault detected with the alternator or suspect low battery voltage starts a sequence of shutdowns. The alternator light will come on, the power steering (electric power steering on this year of astra) will be shut off making the car very heavy to steer and a few other 'none critical electrical systems' will be shut off. The power steering shut off is dangerous IMHO - the alternator packed up on me and i was turning at a t-junction and suddenly found that my steering wheel didnt seem to work very well!
Get it to a vauxhall garage, unfortunately with faults like this its unlikely a normal none dealer garage will have the kit to find the fault.
Get it to a vauxhall garage, unfortunately with faults like this its unlikely a normal none dealer garage will have the kit to find the fault.
the only thing i can possibly think of is that there is a short circuit to ground/negative on the lighting circuit which is making and breaking depending on bumps in the road/ vibrations... and when its short circuited, its pulling the voltage down to ground for the engine electronics as well.
EDIT: by saying the only thing i can think of, i mean other than the EDU.
EDIT: by saying the only thing i can think of, i mean other than the EDU.
Oh yeah ! Final episode in this Astra van saga. EDU ok and no probs, but when it was checked the mechanic noticed a crack in the rear N/S light casing. He suggested with all the bad weather we have been having that maybe some rain water or damp has got in. Yesterday I bought a new light housing and fitted it and hey presto the lights on, lights off routine has dissapeared. Obviosly the water/damp had got in and was short circuiting somewhere along the line. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your excelent advice and help throughout this challenging time.
Rob is a happy man.
Rob is a happy man.
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