Vauxhall Astra F (1991 - 1998) - 1998 1.6 Engine Revs by itself

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 11:21
1998 1.6 Engine Revs by itself - RichardN
This is my sister's car and most of the time it drives alright, however when driving around town in stop/start traffic, the engine rev's will increase by itself upto c.2000rpm.

Sometimes a quick flick on the throttle will cure it as if the throttle cable is sticking, however I have checked the cable and sprayed the throttle linkage with WD40. When the engine rev's the throttle cable has returned to its tickover position.

If the car is left to cool down and it may run for a few days and then it will start playing up again.

Lately it has been getting worse and the ENGINE orange light comes on on the dashboard, the book says that it has something to do with the fuel mixture and to consult a dealer.

There is the throttle position sensor by the linkage and I am wondering if this could be the problem or is it the ECU ? Any other suggestions would be welcome as everyone that I have spoken to does not have any idea.


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Sun 30 Nov 2008 14:27
1998 1.6 Engine Revs by itself - Dynamic Dave
Lately it has been getting worse and the ENGINE orange light comes on on the dashboard


If you get the fault code read out, then this *should* tell you what the problem is.

As it's a 1998, I expect you can still do the paperclip test. Diagnostic socket is in the glovebox I think on the Astra-F. If not, then it should be under a removable cover below the handbrake. Details below of how to do the test. Report back the fault code(s) you get.

www.topbuzz.co.uk/info/fault_codes/fault_codes.htm

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 30/11/2008 at 14:28

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Fri 23 Jan 2009 13:04
1998 1.6 Engine Revs by itself - RichardN
Finally got to the bottom of this. The ECU did not show anything however we found a small crack in the air intake hose, a replacement part from Vauxhall (£30) has cured the fault.
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