Astra cuts out when moving off

[laineybutton]

My Astra 1.4 ('96) has started to cut out as i move off. The car when idling sounds as though it is struggling. Any ideas? Please HELP!!

[Andyvon]

Hi laineybutton,

Is your engine warning light on too?

I've just helped my father get his 95 1.4 Astra sorted after 6 months of hassle. His engine light was usually on, the car would cut out when cold and refuse to start and at other times the revs would race so high he would have to switch off. Dad took the car to different garages but no one found the problem. Some made snap diagnosis about EGR valve, ECU and injector pump and others told Dad to take the car to a Vauxhall dealer. Some even that there was nothing wrong! Of course, they all took their �50 diagnostic fees and Dad ran out of money paying these clowns.
Last week Dad drove here and we visited a good mechanic I know. He listened to the car and identified a faulty monoinjector which he said was a common fault. He checked with his diagnostic machine which showed a fuel fault code and he only charged �20 for the check. He then ordered a second-hand unit for �45 from a contact and he charged Dad �10 to fit it. The car now runs superbly and the light is off.

The problem seems to be mediocre mechanics who don't understand diagnostic machines. There was a fuel fault code there all the time but they all dismissed it and made snap diagnoses about EGR's, ECUs etc.

I suggest you have a check on your car laineybutton but the garage will charge about �50 for plugging their machine in. Make sure you get a copy of the print out as any error codes will be on there in plain sight for anyone who understands them. If you have no joy with the first garage go around others with the print out until you find a mechanic competant to identify the problem from the codes. Don't listen to anyone who makes snap diagnoses and please don't fall into the trap my Dad did of paying different garages for diagnostic tests - only pay once as any problem will be there in the codes. Good luck.

[Andyvon]

Thanks for your reply laineybutton which I found on my travel question. I'm pleased you are getting your car sorted out. All the best,

Andrew