vectra codes

[spudz]

hi all.i have an 02 plate vectra 1.8sxi dual fuel.been having a few problems and read on here about the pedal test.went out and gave it a go.now have a code of 10,3,10,3.
anyone tell me what that means please..

[pjpj]

That would be P0303, by my reckoning.

http://www.engine-light-help.com/P0303- ... light.html

[spudz]

thanks for that.is a misfire enough to make the lpg just not work at all.can go for hours working fine then it throws a paddy and stops working.seems to be totally random when it works or not..

[pjpj]

Misfire on one cylinder is not usually enough to cause a switch back to petrol, maybe when you floor it.

Has the LPG system been serviced, ever?

If you have the Koltec GSI system it is possible the injectors are beginning to fail or if the EGI the distributor needs cleaning.

When were the spark plugs last replaced?

[spudz]

being totally honest i have no idea of the service history of the car.never mind the lpg.no paperwork in car to say anything ever been done.i only bought the car 6 months ago and it was an impulse buy.saw it bought it.was fine to start with.occasionally cutting out or switching over to petrol but nothing serious.today for example it wont run on lpg at all.tomorrow it could run all day.
im trying to find someone near me who can service it properly but no joy so far.got a couple of installers local but they wont touch it...

[spudz]

so finally got the car to an lpg man today and he cant find anything wrong.checked and tested everything from tank to injectors and everything seems fine.apart from it not running gas.he says he will fone around some contacts down south and get back in touch.
good thing is that because he could not find the fault he only took 30 quid for 3 hours work..

[pjpj]

If it's not working at all now, did he check for fault codes on the LPG ECU?

[spudz]

he says he did.nothing there.i only have his word of course but i have no reason to doubt him..
i did read something about disconnecting the battery for ten mins to allow the system to re calibrate.do you think it would be worth trying??

[pjpj]

If its not changing over then it is usually the temperature sensor in the vaporiser or an associated coolant flow fault.

If not that then it is likely to be the 58x module. Sometimes these stop or cause problems working but do not generate a code.

Resetting won't cause any harm but is not a miracle cure. The ECU's have proven to be rock solid

[spudz]

it changes over sometimes.works great for 2 or 3 days then goes 2 or 3 days without working at all.the guy says the temp sensor fine.whats the 58x module??
i did the reset today.no difference.
there is no obvious reason why it switches on again.seems totally random.you just driving along and realise that the light not flashing anymore and the fuel gauge going up.
dont know the relavance but when its not working when you flick the switch you get 5 flashes instead of 4.the 4 is normal but then a quick 5th flash.

[pjpj]

whats the 58x module??

The crankcase signal amplifier. See the link in my signature for a little more info.

dont know the relavance but when its not working when you flick the switch you get 5 flashes instead of 4.the 4 is normal but then a quick 5th flash.

I've never heard of that before. Is it possibly a glitch? Or am I misunderstanding? Do you mean a series of slow flashes then an attempt at changeover and from then on a series a fast flashes? What happens after the 5th quick flash?

If the system is awaiting the correct signals it should flash at 1Hz i.e. once per second.

If there is a problem and the system has switched back to petrol then it will flash at 0.5Hz

If there is a mixture problem or O2 issue it may run on LPG but the light may be lit/ flash intermittently.

[spudz]

4 flashes at 1 second then 1 at half.
after about 30 secs continual flashing at half sec intervals.even when you leave it flashing it can still randomly switch to gas then the flashing stops..

[pjpj]

It sounds like it is attempting to changeover. You should be hearing the relays and the rear solenoid then the front solenoid activate. Although I'm not sure about this quick flash.

If there are no codes then you either have a fuel blockage (Solenoid valve, gunk in injectors/ vaporiser or other issue)(That usually wouldn't give you a code) or the 58x module is faulty.

I will PM you details on how to check for codes on your LPG ECU for you to use if you wish.

[spudz]

thanks for the pm.just to clarify,is it the diagnostic plug in the fuse box.do i just earth it to the battery or elsewhwere.
really appreciate your help...

[pjpj]

Yes, in the fusebox under the bonnet and extend the grey to ground.

[spudz]

cheers for that.will give it a go in the morning.will let you know the results...thanks

[spudz]

done the test.2 codes.first one is 12.second one more tricky.its number 32 which is not on the list you sent me.any ideas?.
32 only comes up if you run the car first then stick the wire in.

[pjpj]

Code 32 Official description. petrol injector off short to ground or open. This would normally appear if the vehicle has run out of LPG or the LPG ECU has seen a concern and it has changed it back to petrol. i.e incorrect fuelling.

Fuel not getting through or injector issue.

Code 12 is normal.

[spudz]

so you think i should get the guy to remove the injectors for a check.can they be cleaned or will i need a new set?
or can i do this myself.i can do the basics but dont like getting to complicated...

[pjpj]

You are going to have to test where the gas is getting to. It could be damaged pipework, sticking solenoid valve, gummed up vaporiser or filter or injectors.

If the injectors have failed and cannot be cleaned with WD40 etc. the replacements are very expensive, it is as expensive to replace the LPG system front end.

I suspect you have a sticking solenoid valve connected to the vaporiser, your man should have tested this though. The fact you can have a good running system one day and not the next points to an intermittent valve or broken wire possibly.

What you can check is for damage to the wires going to the vaporiser solenoid valve and check the connections are good and also check the wiring from/ to the injectors, these can sometimes chafe on metal bracketry they may be tied to and short to ground.

Also check the solenoid plastic case for cracks, a sure sign it has/ is failing. It could also be a relay failing but this is very rare.

Do you get the original misfire code coming back after a reset whilst running on petrol only or at all?