Vauxhall Corsa - Exhaust Emission System

[Misky]

A light has come on on my dashboard and when I looked it up, it indicates that there's a problem with the exhaust emission system. I'll book it into a garage, but does anyone know will this automatically mean a new exhaust? Or a big expensive job?

[tonyav]

Is it petrol or Diesel ?. If it's a petrol model it's highly likely to be the lambda sensor or catalytic converter at fault, or if it's a diesel model highly likely to be the particulate filter at fault.

[Misky]

It's petrol - a 55 model...

[tonyav]

To find out the exact fault it will need to be plugged into a diagnostic computer most likely TEC 2. Try not to use a Vauxhall main dealers ( expensive ), other garages do have this equipment but you may have to phone around.

[Misky]

Thanks - I have a garage next to where I work who do the MOT and servicing for me, I'll make sure to ask that they have that machine when I ring them.

[tonyav]

Your welcome.

[Hopkirk]

They will almost certainly tell you that it needs a new oxygen sensor, known as the lambda sensor.

[Hopkirk]

Oh yes, Tony has already said similar - sorry.

[tonyav]

Agree'd, Hopkirk.

[Misky]

Thank you also Hopkirk - are these things big jobs? As in hundreds of pounds generally?

[tonyav]

If it's the lambda sensor then no, they are pretty easy to change as a DIY job.

[Misky]

Great - thanks to you both. I love this site.

[KJN]

Common problem on the Corsa. ( I had two sensors fitted in three years) the garage and the Vauxhall forum will say it is due to the car having been driven on short journeys (used mine only to go to the railway station 1 1/2 miles away every cay) would help in the future if you give it a good old hard drive up the motorway now and then.

[Misky]

I was expecting the "short journeys" line to come out when I take it to the garage - this is my second Corsa and when the same light came on in the old one, years ago, the garage at the dealers said there was nothing they could do to fix it and I should just go the long way round to work. My journey is only 9 miles each way. Hopefully a decent garage will fix it this time. Thanks KJN.