I own a 2001 Y reg Vectra, petrol 1.8 engine. Recently I've noticed the engine light comes on randomly, sometimes accompanied by a drop in power but not always. It seems to be when the car is cold or the weather is damp, and leaving it running for a few minutes before setting off can sometimes prevent it - but not always.

I thought at first that it was the spark plugs but I checked them and they were fine - then I came across this report on the Watchdog site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/01/vauxhall_cars_that_suddenly_lo.html

Although this relates to slightly newer, more powerful models it sounds almost exactly like what my car is doing. My question is; have any other Vectra drivers experienced this type of problem and if so, what caused it?

There is a testing device that can simply be plugged into the car and it will say exactly what the fault is. My guess is a sensor somewhere has failed but you'll need to plug in the tester to get a reliable diagnosis. Any garage that does a little engine tuning will have the testing device.

It's sensible to find the fault sooner rather than later. It's unlikely, but not impossible, to be something serious.

Hi Mallory,

First off you will need to take it to a reputable mechanic who has a diognostic machine that will be able to tell you what the fault code is. It wont be a sensor because that would only have the warning indicator for something flash up without there being a problem (usually).

In my opinion you will have a problem with the ECU which is your cars computer. That is why you are having the trouble with the car with regards to the drop in power and the difficulty starting it sometimes.

It is best to get it looked at before any further damage as these problems can be costly. I know this from personal experience with vauxhall as I had the same model as you about 5 years back and it was nothing but bother, so I got shot of it after 2 months of ownership.

You can buy the diagnostic machines for under £30 on eBay. The hardest part about using these is finding where to plug them in. When plugged in, they display error code(s) which you can then look up in the manual. I keep meaning to get one myself as, once you know where a fault is, you can get quotes or even decide to fix the problem yourself. Many garages will charge something approaching the purchase price just for doing the test.

ECUs do not often go wrong and it's a bit of a scam with some garages who will charge for a new one whatever the fault code, and they are expensive. A sensor somewhere exposed or near moving parts is more likely but, until you've plugged in the testing device, you wont know for certain what the fault is.

Mallory,

Your e-mail was some time ago now, so I guess you have resolved the fault. I have a 2.0 Omega X reg which I understand are similiar engines. I didn't have your problem but a word of warning for others. I had a diaognosis test on my car and it said the problem was an air flow meter. So I went ahead a got a re-conditioned one which was easy to fit myself. Same problem, still stalls. Found a good mechanic who said that my problem was an exhaust valve of some kind. Again, got a re-conditioned one. Hey, problem solved. Point is, my mechanic said that my problem may not necessarily show up on a diaognostic test and they are around £25-£50 a test. Just beware.

hello mate ,i have the same 52reg 1.8 vectra, it seems the company made it that way so it will genarate money for vauxhall,as i hade the same problem ,it happens wen the engin in low rev or comming to cuting off point,it suckes the fum it suposto pump out thats way the engin sign coms on. most of the time it stays on for couple of days and it gose off.but if it happens offen u need to change the valve in the exost.if there is a problem loged in the system it will create problem in the whole unit.I had the regulater cleand and the system reset to factery default in a vauhall dealer and it solved the problem.the valve cost nothing but labor may be very expensive.good luck.