Vectra 2.2 HELP......Really bad fuel consumption.

[Charlie Croker]

Please help.... As a few of you know I have a 2003 53 Vectra 2.2 petrol auto. The problem is according to the trip computer I am down to a average of between 15 and 18 mpg although it does not seem this bad in reality. I know it sounds stupid but it doesn't seem to matter how I drive it ( foot down or taking it really easy) it seems to still use the same amount ie loads. Ive been told it could be the coolant temp sensor or the thermostat sending false readings to the ecu?? Its got a lot worse since I changed the battery for one I got off a pal which turned out to be worse than the one I took off.......could that affect it?? Its getting to the stage that I cant afford to run it. I must stress though ive been using it to deliver pizzas of late and its always starting and stopping so I don't expect it do be doing much mpg but 15 is no good.lol.

Oh and there is a loud ticking noise coming from my fuel injection rail.....would overfueling cause this?

 

Any ideas guys. Thanks loads. Charlie.

[Rocket88]

Does it tick over at normal rpm?

[brickwall]

Have you checked coolant ecu temp sensor (not the gauge one) ? IS the exhaust in good nick or blowing? Smell of exhaust when warm? Could the coil pack be causing an over-fuelling? Wouldn't be the first time this has been the cause.

[Charlie Croker]

It ticks over at around 650. It seems steady enough. it seems a bit gutless too but its been like that since ive had it so ive nothing to compare it too.lol.

[Charlie Croker]

Ive been wondering about the coolant temp sensor.......is there anyway I can check it? The exaust seems ok and has no blowing. I sometimes get a smell of coolant in the car if its hot and ive not used the blower in a while. Coil pack?? I'd not thought of that.......it seems to run fine with no missing. Again how can I check? Thanks for this guys.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

defo work out the MPG yourself as well, dont take the trip computer's word for it as they can calculate some right old shite.

[cort16]

Are these 2.2 Vecta's not really shit on fuel anyway? I guess even a slight issue would tip them into the horrendous category. I take the EML's not on?

[Rusty_Rocket]

Get an emission check done by your friendly MoT man.  That way you'll know if something's amiss or it's just the usage it's getting/ fuel leak somewhere.

If the tailpipe readings are not good, suspect the pre-cat lambda sensor.

[Charlie Croker]

The EML is not on. I put a new Maf sensor on a few months ago the light came on but went out after 20 mins or so and has not been on since. It seems to run hot  too at between 90 and 95 but thease run at that don't they?  what would happen if I disconnected the coolant temp sensor? Like I say it seems worse after I changed the battery. The one I put on seems goosed as the lights go dim when I turn the steering wheel.. Jeeeezus its wrecking my head this.lol. Oh and the mot is due next week which its booked in for so I will know about the emissions then. I know the guy so would I be best getting him to check the emissions this week if I can?

[Station]

You can disconnect the CTS when it's running, but won't make any difference (it'll be in limp home mode), and the car won't start without the CTS plugged in (ONG orll vauxhals r SIHT). Best thing to do is get a resistance across the CTS pins and report back. The oxygen/lambda sensor change on my GSi made a huge difference on MPG and also MAF or AFM sensor (the bit pre inlet manifold). These four sensors adjust fuelling, so it's one of those. They are all Bosch so they have built in designed life of about ten years. The MAF will be GM and believe it or not never breaks - you can get them on Volvos, saabs, etc.

Try the CTS or O2 sensor first.

Apologies for amount if abbreviations.

[Lankytim]

Could the trip be in U.S gallons?

[mouseflakes]

Apologies for amount if abbreviations.

NP

[Charlie Croker]

Where is the o2 sensor bud? Ill go out and check them. What do I look for? Sorry all this sensor shite is new to me.lol. Cheers.

[Rusty_Rocket]

O2 sensor is in the exhaust, probably nearer the manifold than the cat on a VX (sorry, can't remember the last time I worked on a 2.2..)

There's not a lot you can visually check really and if it hasn't put the EML on, I'd probably hold out until the MoT test results are in!

[Junkman]

The O2 sensor is bolted into the cat.

However, this:
 

Get an emission check done by your friendly MoT man. That way you'll know if something's amiss or it's just the usage it's getting/ fuel leak somewhere.
If the tailpipe readings are not good, suspect the pre-cat lambda sensor.

is the only reasonable way forward. Everything else is hit or miss in the dark.

[srad34]

Are these 2.2 Vecta's not really shit on fuel anyway? I guess even a slight issue would tip them into the horrendous category. I take the EML's not on?

 This^^^. A colleague had one as a company car and it was pretty bad, add an autobox and it will be worse still imho.....

Get rid before it bankrupts you....... 

[cort16]

This is probably of no help but on the 1.8 Astra it pokes through the heatshield on the exhaust manifold at the front.

[Cavcraft]

If the battery has caused problems I'd just be inclined to think the fuel computer thing is even shitter than normal.

[Bren]

Check the EGR - my recent "glow plugs" thread revealed the non start issue to be a blocked EGR as diagnosed by the AA this morning.

 

The EML light did'nt illuminate either.

 

However, the timing chain and balancer chain can be an issue on the 2.2 if they are worn - it can affect driveabilty and fuel consumption without flagging anything up.

 

I know this because my mate had a 53 plate 2.2 manual - after we renewed the lot the car got its performace back - one of the chains had jumped a tooth because of wear.

 

These engines have a reputation that is unfair - they are quite powerful and have reasonable economy, people dont get them serviced as often as they should. My mate never changed the oil and filter on his for 80k because it leaked so much.

 

I would imagine you would get low 20's urban with your car - if it has issues it wil drop further, as it obviously has.

[solid61]

Id get rid of it,the 2.2 engine is a gas guzzler round town and delivering pizzas in an auto will kill the consumption, id say 15 mpg is not far wrong.

[Lacquer Peel]

SCRAP IT.

[CortinaDave]

These are truly SHIT on fuel. a mate had one and even on mixed driving he was struggling to get 25 with a feather foot.

 

I suspect using one start stop around town 15mpg isn't a million miles out. You could spend £££ replacing sensors etc and maybe gain 3 mpg. The bottom line is its a 2.2 auto Vectra and just the wrong car for the job -  it'll be eating all your wages - I'd get shot. 

[brickwall]

If the problem does not become obvious after checking a few things, I'd pass it on. The 2.2 does not have a good rep.

[HillmanImp]

If the Lamda sensor was playing up the EML would be on would it not? take it to the garage and check....

[brickwall]

oh and check the earth and voltage on the MAF...just a thought. Lambdas are screw in so they might need replacing.

[Split_Pin]

Id go over onto VVOC and stick the wording of your thread title in their search function. I found this site TOPZ for useful info when I had mine. Saying that Id try all the stuff thats been suggested first. BTW my 2012 1.2 Chevrolet Aveo only does 39mpg. I was flapping my beef curtains about that on here a while ago and lots of people agreed that some cars are just shan on fuel.

[Stroller133]

Most cars you can press a button and get limited diagnostic info. On fords you press and hold the trip computer reset button while switching on ignition. This usually lists temps etc. not sure about vectra's though - my Astra H it was the "settings" button in the "infotainment" system.