Cyprus-Forum.com

[umit07]

Hi all.

Today I purchased my first car a 2001 Holden aka Opel (Vauxhall) Astra. The bastard that sold me the car only left a bit of petrol in the damn thing, which left me stranded after just getting off a freeway. After refilling the car I noticed that the check engine light came up. To be honest I am not completely sure when it lit up, but I don't remember seeing it during the test drive or before being stranded. The car drives fine, no problems at all. Anyone got any idea's?

[doesntmatter]

Hi all.

Today I purchased my first car a 2001 Holden aka Opel (Vauxhall) Astra. The bastard that sold me the car only left a bit of petrol in the damn thing, which left me stranded after just getting off a freeway. After refilling the car I noticed that the check engine light came up. To be honest I am not completely sure when it lit up, but I don't remember seeing it during the test drive or before being stranded. The car drives fine, no problems at all. Anyone got any idea's?

If the engine light came on then you should not be driving it around any more, could lead to further damage. Get it to a garage and have it checked out before it's too late.

Have a look at this: http://www-srv-4.boards.ie/vbulletin/sh ... 2055037766

[Sotos]

You shouldn't let the gas run out totally because this could cause some damage. If the light was not on before and it came on after then it might be related to this. Did you have the car checked by a mechanic before you buy it?

[Smiler Brian]

Checked on the UK Astra owners club forum and the following is suggested:

is the light still on?

if so follow this procedure: DIY method of finding out the cause without having it hooked upto a diagnostic machine

With keys out of ignition - press both brake & accelerator pedal at same time and keep them pressed to the floor....

insert key and turn to 2nd click - ignition on but DONT START THE ENGINE

Keep both pedals pressed throughout the procedure....

the EML will flash just like previous models using the paperclip

You will probably find the light flashes 10 times first then a pause then another number, a pause, another number, a pause then another number of flashes.

I say 10 times for the first one as 10 flashes = a ZERO on the fault code and most engine related faults range from P0001 to P0999

If for instance u have the following sequence

10 flashes
pause
3 flashes
pause
10 flashes
pause
10 flashes

this equals 10,3,10,10 which in turn equates to 0,3,0,0 or P0300 which in turn is "Multiple cylinder misfire"

10 is the only number that becomes another number
1-9 flashes remain a 1-9 code if that makes any sense

Have a go and let me know how u get on.... if u cant find the cause of the code - do a google with the words "Vauxhall and Pxxxx" (whatever the code is) and see what it comes up with.

http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/showt ... p?t=170488 is the thread I found it on.

[marshie]

Dis-connect battery and leave for an hour or 2,
then re- connect battery and if the check light comes on again........

then worry

your car might have thrown a code up,when you ran out of petrol

[umit07]

Thank you everyone for your info. This morning the engine check light had turned off. But now I have an even worse problem, the key is stuck in the ignition. I think the ignition barrel needs to be changed . I had to get the RACV to start it up, the guy just banged a hammer on the ignition and it turned and started the car. Now though I can't take the key out. Someone suggested using some graphite powder for lubrication. I was told oiling it would make it worse apparently.

[CBBB]

umit07, you seem to have bought a right pile of shit!

[umit07]

umit07, you seem to have bought a right pile of shit!

Well after oiling it a bit it seems OK. Even though the roadside assistance mechanic told me not to oil it (he said it would make it worse). Tomorrow I'll buy some graphite powder (whatever that is).