Why does the Astra 1.6 16v Engine Warning Light come on??

[mart123blue]

I drive an N reg 1.6 16v Vauxhall Astra which has proved extremely reliable in the year I have owned it.

The problem is with the Engine Warning Light (the one with a little spark on it). It used to come on very occasionaly during a long journey and sometimes when the car was started when already warmed up. It used to go off if the car was switched off and then on again.

Recently it comes on all the time, on any journey over half an hour. Most times it comes on within 5mins of leaving the house.

What could be causing it apart from the ECU (think this is the right word)?? The exhaust has started blowing recently not sure if this is related. Loath to fix exhaust until I stop this happening.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

[Sparky1979]

The ECU shouldn't be the problem. Has the car been serviced since the light came on? This light usually indicates a problem with the ignition system so change the spark plugs. If this doesn't work move onto the HT leads and distributor cap or coil packs (whichever is fitted).

If the exhaust blow is at the front section near the engine this will cause the lambda sensor to reading a fault in the exhaust gases, a lack of power and will also waste expensive fuel so I'd get that fixed too.

good luck

[bazmoore]

hi
i had the exact same problem with the same engine on an astra estate n reg
when i mentioned this to a vauxhall dealership they told me that they would need to have the car on their computer when the light was on. and as this was like yours, a very intermittent problem this wasnt possible.
fearing it may get worse and might be costly to repair i got rid pdq.
baz