Vauxhall - the worst pile of crap ever

Phil_aka_Pip

Deadman said:

I demand a re-count! Seriously though, I hope it's not related. It's a shame you're not near me as I have some excellent mechanics on my team. Good luck with it.

Hmmm ... The engine is the old 8 valve job they once fitted to Cavaliers (so I'm told, which is why I bough the van - my dad had 2 Cavaliers and liked them) ... Do you know if I can get at the fault codes in the way mentioned by Paul_C (or by any other method)? and if I told you a number (or set of numbers) could you tell me what they mean?

Deadman

Phil_aka_Pip said:

Deadman said:

I demand a re-count! Seriously though, I hope it's not related. It's a shame you're not near me as I have some excellent mechanics on my team. Good luck with it.

Hmmm ... The engine is the old 8 valve job they once fitted to Cavaliers (so I'm told, which is why I bough the van - my dad had 2 Cavaliers and liked them) ... Do you know if I can get at the fault codes in the way mentioned by Paul_C (or by any other method)? and if I told you a number (or set of numbers) could you tell me what they mean?

One of the lads (A VX specialist) said there are 16 pins and you can bridge them with a paperclip, watch the engine management light and count the flashes? He said if you get him codes/flashes, yes he can tell you what the fault is. He said don't do it unless you know what you're doing or it'll go bang.

I'm not keen on passing 3rd party info to you on the basis that you may indeed fry something or yourself Phil, but if you find out how you get the flashes (or codes if the case may be) by all means get back to me and we'll tell you what the fault is.

Deadman

Actually, Paul C's post pretty much covers it. I didn't see that before...

Phil_aka_Pip

@Deadman fanx mate. I wouldn't know where the 16 pins are nor which ones to bridge so I won't be trying that but I will deffo try Paul C's suggestion.

Phil_aka_Pip

code appears to be 1616 ... EDIT:

I googled for the error codes and found http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/index.php?threads/vauxhall-fault-codes-pedal-trick-test.202018/ on which I read

P1616 Wrong Vehicle ID from Instrument Control Module C-40 

WTF is THAT all about??

Is it caused by the same fault that occasionally causes the instrument panel to go dead and the tacho & speedo to read zero when you're travelling along at motorway speed? (happens occasionally for a few sec at a time)

 

I am advised that if you can find your radio code written down, you can disconnect the battery for approx 1/2 hour, then when you reconnect it, the fault will be cleared in the management unit's computer. You will of course have to put the radio code back into the radio before it will work. I've got the radio code, so I might give it a go. Tomorrow, when it's light, and I can find some tools. I might have to leave it disconnected all day as I can't wait around for 1/2 hour before going to work.

Deadman

Phil_aka_Pip said:

code appears to be 1616 ... EDIT:

I googled for the error codes and found http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/index.php?threads/vauxhall-fault-codes-pedal-trick-test.202018/ on which I read

P1616 Wrong Vehicle ID from Instrument Control Module C-40 

WTF is THAT all about??

Is it caused by the same fault that occasionally causes the instrument panel to go dead and the tacho & speedo to read zero when you're travelling along at motorway speed? (happens occasionally for a few sec at a time)

 

I am advised that if you can find your radio code written down, you can disconnect the battery for approx 1/2 hour, then when you reconnect it, the fault will be cleared in the management unit's computer. You will of course have to put the radio code back into the radio before it will work. I've got the radio code, so I might give it a go. Tomorrow, when it's light, and I can find some tools. I might have to leave it disconnected all day as I can't wait around for 1/2 hour before going to work.

Apparently the sole multiplug to your dash could be loose Phil?

Phil_aka_Pip

@Deadman yes it could be. I was told that there are 2 connectors, one each side of the bulkhead, and the one on the drivers side is up above where the pedals are. If it's just a case of disconnecting, squirting with switch cleaner, and reconnecting I'll certainly have a go. The one on the engine side of the bulkhead might be harder to get at.

Deadman

I hear it's more likely that it's simply worked loose; no harm in giving it a squirt if you can get at it though.

Phil_aka_Pip

Would that cause the 1616 code though?

Deadman

Phil_aka_Pip said:

Would that cause the 1616 code though?

I presume it would be directly related to the potentially loose connector producing the fault/code?

Phil_aka_Pip

OK thanks for your help @Deadman ... will report back with my findings

Phil_aka_Pip

Couldn't find the connector. Do you have to take the plastic trim off and if so why does it look like you need a special tool? Those screw heads don't look like anything I've seen before. What's wrong with ordinary screws?

Paul_C

they're Torx screws - Halfords etc. do the bits.

ESBlonde

Phil_aka_Pip said:

Couldn't find the connector. Do you have to take the plastic trim off and if so why does it look like you need a special tool? Those screw heads don't look like anything I've seen before. What's wrong with ordinary screws?

Pip

I have a set of Torx head bits if you wanna borrow them.

Phil_aka_Pip

Nice one Kev I have 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" ratchet drives somewhere although I'd have to dig for them - would your Torx bits fit any of them?

ESBlonde

Yes, if you needed them I could lend a rachet and extension bar too. I also have some proper screwdrivers with torx ends for the smaller sizes and a dodgy penknife type affair in the car with a selection of torx and hex bits for roadside emergencies but it's a bit of a bugger to use compared to the proper tool.

Ring and let me know when you plan to drop by.

All the gear and no idea!