vectra engine light intermittent?

Question

have a 2000 vectra b and sometimes the engine light comes on the dash when i start the engine and when it does come on the car drives like **** very sliggish etc,but i can switch the engine off start it again and the light goes car drives great,but ive noticed that when i turn the key if it takes a couple of seconds for the engine to turn over thats when im getting the light on if i turn the key and the car turns over straight away the light doesnt come on any ideas??..posted this earlier didnt get much response thought id throw it out there again

Answer 1

It is probably either the camshaft sensor of the crankshaft sensor. Or possibly even too much slack in the timing belt.

Vauxhall fault codes can be read easily at home by using a paper clip and counting the flashes of the ecu light on the instrument console.



Here is a link showing how to do it ; http://www.topbuzz.co.uk/info/fault_codes/fault_codes.htm

Answer 2

The engine light could mean anything from 1000's of things, the only way to find out exactly what it's telling you would be to take it to your local Vauxhall dealer and have the fault codes read by Tech2 (their diagnostic tool) but assuming it's a petrol car my money would be on either a sensor, most likely O2 or throttle position as they are a common problem on vectra b's, or the throttle body may need cleaning if you're lucky, or replacing if you're not.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Don't try the paperclip because if you read it they do run a disclaimer on top of page, also if the paperclip method was accurate , why would garages spend £1000s on diagnostic equipment. Ok you need to get it on a diagnostic machine and check the fault codes , any garage with up to date equipment can do this ( it does not have to be a vauxhall dealership, as they charge what they like)Check the codes and take it from there. I have found from experience that Camshaft / Crankshaft Sensor out of sync is a common fault.