Vauxhall Vectra B facelift 1999 2.0 16v automatic - Stalling /erratic idle /engine management lamp

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Fri 26 Mar 2010 16:49
Vauxhall Vectra B facelift 1999 2.0 16v automatic - Stalling /erratic idle /engine management lamp - Talking Hoarse

Symptoms started occasionaly a few weeks ago but are now much more frequent.

  1. The engine management lamp has lit up for a few moments when driving, going off on its own accord, and still driving OK (ie not in limp home)
  2. The engine stalls or idles erratically and then stalls, usually when hot (ie after warm up cycle), most often when stopping the car.
  3. When the (hot) engine is started it will not idle - until driven a short distance.

However, most of the time the car drives smoothly etc and runs properly. The idle air control valve was replaced by main dealer less than a year ago.

Any help & advice greatly appreciated?

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Fri 2 Apr 2010 16:36
Vauxhall Vectra B facelift 1999 2.0 16v automatic - Stalling /erratic idle /engine management lamp - Talking Hoarse

In absence of any response ( unusual for this forum! ), my local chap has diagnosed the Mass Airflow Meter, having excluded the EGR Valve that the diagnostics initially pointed at (apparantly when the latter is taped off (?) the error points to the Mass Airflow Meter. He has also cleaned the throttle body & idle control valve for good measure.

However a new Mass Airflow Meter is said to be £150 that is a bit unrealistic for a car worth at best £1000. Any suggestions please? Are the units sold on Ebay and at factors etc likely to be worthy?

Thanks for any help.

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Fri 2 Apr 2010 21:55
Vauxhall Vectra B facelift 1999 2.0 16v automatic - Stalling /erratic idle /engine management lamp - colino

The MAF is a likely culprit, but doesn't usually light the MIL. I'd get your chappie to code read the car to check for anything else, and just disconnect the MAF yourself and see if the driveability improves.

ebay MAFs are generally OK, but be sensible, buy from a decent trader who'll swap a duff one and you'll be quids in.

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