Vauxhall Astra G Petrol (1998 - 2004) - 1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure?

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Sun 21 Dec 2008 16:01
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - uccasiq
Hi,

I'm hoping some of the knowledgeable minds on here can help me.

I have a astra g 1.8 16v which has developed a fault recently. When starting from cold the car seems to run ok (perhaps a intermittent misfire can be felt) but no eml, however after about 5 mins of driving (just as its starting to warm up) it cuts out. I won't restart unless its left for about 10mins, after which is runs rough (3 cylinders) and the eml is on. I had this diagnosed and there were a multitude of errors, MAF, knock on all 4 cylinders, lambda etc.

Replaced the MAF and the lambda sensor, changed the coil pack and had the codes cleared. The car hasn't been driven as it still cuts out but now the only code seems to P0202 injector 2 malfunction I think. I'm being told that is not the injector that is faulty but the ECU. The behaviour is consistent, it will start fine when cold and run without any error lights and seems to be running fine (again the odd vibration from the engine seems to suggest a misfire now and again) until warmed up then it goes to 3 cylinders and runs like crap.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds plausible, I don't want to spend £300 - £800 on a new ECU if that isn't the problem.

Thanks

Edited by Webmaster on 21/12/2008 at 16:29

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Sun 21 Dec 2008 17:00
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - topbloke
sounds plausable, i have changed loads of these ecu's for all sorts of faults however one more thing that you could try before condemming the ecu and would cause your symptoms would be a fuel injection temp sensor, they are about £12, easily changed and maybe it would help, if that don't cure it then can i suggest that you have your ecu repaired i have used a company in nottingham that test fix "if nessary" and return your own ecu so you wont have to reprogram "dealer will charge you and you would need you security code/pass" very quick turn around and about £300 or £50 if only test and return. Regards TB
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Sun 21 Dec 2008 18:53
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - uccasiq
Thanks for the quick reply topbloke,

Where is the fuel injection temp sensor, I haven't heard of that one before?

Cheers
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Sun 21 Dec 2008 20:16
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - SpamCan61 {P}
I think this may be the firm topbloke mentioned?

www.ecutesting.com/vauxhall_common_ecu_failures.ht...l
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Sun 21 Dec 2008 20:26
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - elekie&a/c doctor
If this problem does turn out to be an Ecu fault,I would suggest that a new unit from Vauxhall be priced as a comparison .I think some of the ecu prices have been reduced.Some of these new units start at around £250,but of course will need programming.hth
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Sun 21 Dec 2008 20:52
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - topbloke
leftside of cylinder head where top hose go's onto thermostat just above, two wire connector, if its got an internal fault it can short temporraly giveing a reading of a much colder engine "typically -40" causeing an over fuel situation but not a fault code as its possible that this situation may occur "goodness knows where" this floods the engine Try a search on temp sensors see what comes back

Edited by Webmaster on 23/12/2008 at 00:28

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Sun 21 Dec 2008 22:51
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - uccasiq
Thanks again for all the replies, I appreciate the help.

TB, is that sensor also called the coolant temperature sensor?

Sounds like one I've had changed already.

Looks like its time for the ECU to get replaced, OR I scrap the thing since I've got a new car now and this one is just taking up valuable space time and money.
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Mon 22 Dec 2008 07:30
1998 1.8 X18XE1 ECU failure? - topbloke
yes but their are two one for dash gauge the other for the ecu
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