fault codes for mk3 astra

[wayne85]

Mk3 Astras are of course run via an ECU (unless you bought the 1.6 carb engine and really you should be shot). This ECU is the onboard computer which is attached to a number of sensors on the engine. Vauxhall use the “tech 1” and “tech 2” systems to run these checks and your looking at £50 for them to plug it in let alone solve a problem. The difference in their system is the software. They still bridge the connections with a plug, all be it that fits properly, but the software they have tells you what the fault is without matching it to numbers. I thought it would be a bit helpful to add some history to try and explain it.

Now, the sensors must work properly on an engine so that the ECU can allow the engine run freely and safely. If something goes wrong with the sensors a signal is sent to the ECU and the Engine Management light will come on on your dash. (the orange light with "lightning" through it) The olden days you didn’t have sensors just mechincal failures, which are both expensive and time consuming to sort.

Now if your still with me there is a diagnostic plug for mk3s in the fuse box compartment. In essence your car needs 3 things to fire. Combustion, Fuel and a Spark. With the ECU these parameters are all monitored via sensors so for the engine to run they must work properly.




The same principle works on other vauxhalls but well look at topbuzz where i stole the pic for to find out the differnce

A Brown Ground
B Brown/Yellow Engine ECU
C Brown/Black Automatic Gearbox (not models with traction control ie V6)
D Brown/Red Fuel Computer (LCD dash not UK models)
E Brown/Blue Engine ECU light / Uni dirrection data line to engine ecu
F Red +12v (fused via F8)
G Brown/White Bi dirrectional data line
H Brown/Blue Alarm (ride control) %
J Brown/Grey Traction Control
K Grey ABS

The Above is a description of what each letter stands for. To flash the codes for the engine light you bridge A and B. This can be done with a paper clip or a bit of metal wire where you just join the 2, if you want this is also the way you bridge a sensor which is faulty. To turn your fan on all the time for example…….

You can either flash the codes with the ignition on OR the engine idling. With the engine idling you will see the engine management light flash once for a long period, then flash twice quickly. This is known as the code “12” and is the ECU basically saying its running its check. This will flash 3 times. If there is a fault stored the system will then flash for whatever fault there is. Basically what happens if the engine is fine is;

(flash_pause_flash, flash)
(flash_pause_flash, flash)
(flash_pause_flash, flash)

_pause_

and continual loop of this till you actually disconnect the paper clip.

With a single fault stored you get

(flash_pause_flash, flash) Again code (12) to show ecu is going through checks
(flash_pause_flash, flash)
(flash_pause_flash, flash)

(flash,flash_pause_flash) This is code (21) which relates to TPS High Voltage.
(flash,flash_pause_flash)
(flash,flash_pause_flash)

(flash_pause_flash, flash) And to finish off code (12) For Ecu to tidy things up
(flash_pause_flash, flash)
(flash_pause_flash, flash)

You all got it? Good, cause when you actually put the paper clip in when engine isn’t idling you will get the fault codes for Vehicle Speed Sensor (No signal) and Crankshaft Sensor (No signal). The reason these turn up when the engine isn’t running is of course!

The pattern will be the same as above though. Code (12) 3 times, fault 1 (3 times), Fault 2 (3 times), Code (12) 3 times. For any other faults the pattern is the same, be it you have 0 faults or 10!

To further clarify things, you get faults for sensors with “High Voltage” and “Low Voltage.” High voltage basically means the sensor is stuck wide open and sending a larger signal than it should. Low Voltage usually corresponds to the sensor not working at all or the wiring/connection is broken. This is my general guide but if the wiring is all OK it is a lot easier to just change the sensor than “fix” one.

Now if you were paying attention to the diagnostic plug letters/colours earlier you can also check your ABS and TC ECU (if you have one). Exactly the same principle with the fault codes as with ECU but of course for ABS you bridge pins “A” and “J” and for the TC you bridge “A” and “K.” The fault codes here are slightly different and are described in the foot of this thread.

The brainy ones among you will have noticed that you can transfer this knowledge onto other Diagnostic Systems but I take no responsibility for it a lot of systems will not clear “inspection” if you try to do it yourself. But for other Vauxhalls same principles apply the diagnostic plugs/management systems are just different.

Now the boring bits (copied from topbuzz but this is open information and my diagnostic fault book stores all this)

[wayne85]

Engine Management Systems

Model Engine Code Year System
Astra-F 1.4i X14NZ 1997 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.4i X14XE 1996-1997 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.4i cat C14NZ 1990-1996 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.6 cat C16NZ 1990-1995 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.8i cat C18NZ 1991-1994 GM-Multec CFi

Astra Van 1.6i cat C16NZ 1991-1994 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.4i cat C14SE 1991-1996 GM-Multec MPi

Astra-F 1.6i cat C16SE 1992-1995 GM-Multec MPi

Astra-F 1.4i cat C14SE 1993-1994 GM-Multec MPi

Astra-F 1.6i X16SZ 1993-1996 GM-Multec CFi

Astra-F 1.6i cat C16SE 1993-1994 GM-Multec MPi

Astra-F 1.6i X16SZR 1996-1997 GM-Multec CFi

Astra 1.6i cat C16SE 1991-1992 Bosch Motronic 1.5

Astra 1.8i 18SE 1987-1991 Bosch L3 and EZ61

Astra GTE 2.0 20NE 1987-1990 Bosch Motronic ML4.1

Astra GTE 2.0 20SEH 1987-1990 Bosch Motronic ML4.1

Astra 2.0i 20SEH 1990-1993 Bosch Motronic 1.5

Astra 2.0i cat C20NE 1991-1995 Bosch Motronic 1.5

Astra 2.0i 16v DOHC 20XEJ 1988-1991 Bosch Motronic 2.5

Astra-F 2.0i 16v DOHC C20XE 1993-1996 Bosch Motronic 2.5

Astra-F 2.0i cat SOHC C20NE 1991-1995 Bosch Motronic 1.5.2

Astra-F 1.8i 16v C18XE/L 1993-1997 Siemens Simtec 56.0/56.1

Astra-F 1.8i 16v X18XE 1996-1998 Siemens Simtec 56.5

Astra-F 2.0i 16v X20XE 1995-1998 Siemens Simtec 56.5


So whatever engine you have match to the ECU management codes….

[wayne85]

Bosch Motronic Systems

12 Initiation of diagnosis. n/a
13 Oxygen sensor No change in voltage/open circuit.
14 Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) Low voltage
15 Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) High voltage
16 Knock sensor 1 No change in voltage
17 Knock sensor 2 No change in voltage
18 Knock control unit No signal, Engine Control Unit (ECU) fault
19 RPM signal (crankshaft sensor) Incorrect signal
21 Throttle position sensor High voltage
22 Throttle position sensor Low voltage
23 Knock sensor module n/a
24 Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) No signal
25 Injector valve 1 High voltage
26 Injector valve 2 High voltage
27 Injector valve 3 High voltage
28 Injector valve 4 High voltage
28 Fuel pump relay Low voltage
29 Injector valve 5 High voltage
31 Engine RPM signal (crankshaft sensor) No signal
32 Injector valve 6 High voltage
32 Fuel pump relay High voltage
33 Inlet manifold pressure sensor Voltage too high
34 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve Voltage too high
34 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor Low voltage
35 Idle Speed Control Valve (ISCV) Poor or no idle speed control
36 Incorrect RON/Octane setting Damaged RON plug or bad connection.
37 Engine self-diagnosis (fault code light) Low voltage
38 Oxygen sensor Voltage low (1990 model year on)
39 Oxygen sensor Voltage high (1990 model year on)
41 Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) Low voltage
41 1 gear ident switch (C20LET systems) Low voltage
41 EST Line coil cylinder 2&3 (M2.8/XEV systems) High voltage
42 Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) High voltage
42 1 gear ident switch (C20LET systems) High voltage
42 EST Line coil cylinder 2&3 (M2.8 / XEV systems) High voltage
43 Linear EGR system (XEV systems) Faulty
44 Oxygen sensor Air/fuel mixture too lean (weak)
45 Oxygen sensor Air/fuel mixture too rich
46 Air pump relay High voltage
47 Air pump relay Low voltage
47 Linear EGR Position (XEV systems) Faulty
48 Battery voltage Low voltage
49 Battery voltage High voltage
51 ECU Programmable memory PROM error, hardware failure
52 Engine check light; final stage (fault code light) High voltage
53 Fuel pump relay Low voltage
54 Fuel pump relay High voltage
55 Engine Control Unit (ECU) fault Renew Engine Control Unit (ECU)
56 Idle Speed Control Valve (ISCV) Short to earth
57 Idle Speed Control Valve (ISCV) Interruption
59 Inlet manifold valve 1 Low voltage
61 Fuel Tank Vent Valve (FTVV) Low voltage
62 Fuel Tank Vent Valve (FTVV) High voltage
63 Inlet manifold valve 1 High voltage
63 EST Line coil cylinder 2&3 (M2.8 / XEV systems) Low voltage
64 EST Line coil cylinder 1&4 (M2.8 / XEV systems) Low voltage
65 Carbon Monoxide (CO) potentiometer Low voltage
66 Carbon Monoxide (CO) potentiometer High voltage
67 Throttle valve switch - idle position switch Low voltage - switch not opening
68 Throttle Switch (TS) - idle contact Idle switch not opening
69 Air Temperature Sensor (ATS) Low voltage
71 Air Temperature Sensor (ATS) High voltage
72 Throttle Switch (TS) - full load contact High voltage - Full load switch not running
73 Air Flow Sensor (AFS) Low voltage
74 Air Flow Sensor (AFS) High voltage
75 Transmission switch - torque control Low voltage
76 Automatic Transmission (AT) torque control Engaged long, ignition retard long
79 Traction control unit Incorrect ignition/injector cut-off
81 Injector valve 1 Low voltage
82 Injector valve 2 Low voltage
83 Injector valve 3 Low voltage
84 Injector valve 4 Low voltage
85 Injector valve 5 Low voltage
86 Injector valve 6 Low voltage
87 Air Conditioning (AC) cut off relay Low voltage
88 Air Conditioning (AC) cut off relay High voltage
89 Oxygen sensor heater Low voltage
91 Oxygen sensor heater High voltage
92 Camshaft sensor failure (XEV systems) Faulty
93 Hall Effect Switch (HES) Low voltage
94 Hall Effect Switch (HES) High voltage
95 Hot start valve Low voltage
96 Hot start valve High voltage
97 Traction control unit - ignition/injection cut off Incorrect signal - high voltage
98 Oxygen sensor Open circuit, wiring break
99 Code unknown n/a
113 Turbo boost control Boost presure high, out of range
114 Idle boost valve Above upper limit
115 Full boost pressure Below lower limit
116 Boost pressure Above upper limit
117 Wastegate valve Low voltage
118 Wastegate valve High voltage
121 Oxygen sensor 2 Lean exhaust, weak mixture
122 Oxygen sensor 2 Rich mixture/exhaust
123 Inlet manifold valve 1 Blocked
124 Inlet manifold valve 2 Blocked
132 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve Incorrect signal
133 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve 2 High voltage
134 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve 2 Low voltage
135 'Check engine' lamp (fault code lamp) Low voltage
136 Engine Control Unit (ECU) n/a
137 Engine Control Unit (ECU) box High temperature
141 Secondary air pump Not enough air
142 Secondary air pump Air without pump
143 Immobiliser function in ECU No or incorrect signal
144 No immobiliser signal recived Faulty unit or break in wiring
145 Incorrect immobiliser signal received Faulty unit or break in wiring
GM MULTEC

12 Initiation of diagnosis. n/a
13 Oxygen sensor No change in voltage/open circuit.
14 Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) Low voltage
15 Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) High voltage
16 Knock signal circuit n/a
18 Knock control processor n/a
19 Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) Incorrect RPM signal
21 Throttle Potentiometer Sensor (TPS) High voltage
22 Throttle Potentiometer Sensor (TPS) Low voltage
24 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) No speed signal or low voltage
25 Injector valve Low voltage
28 Fuel pump relay contacts Contact problem
29 Fuel pump relay Low voltage
32 Fuel pump relay High voltage
33 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor High voltage
34 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor Low voltage
35 Idle stepper motor Poor or no idle speed control
41 Amplifier control signal, cylinders 2 and 3 (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) High voltage
42 Amplifier control signal, cylinders 1 and 4 (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) High voltage
43 Primary ignition (distributor systems) High voltage
44 Oxygen sensor Air/Fuel mixture too lean (weak)
45 Oxygen sensor Air/Fuel mixture too rich
46 Amplifier (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) control signal (A+B) High voltage
47 Linear exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) position n/a
49 Battery supply to Engine Control Unit (ECU) High voltage (greater than 17 volts)
51 Engine Control Unit (ECU) Defective ECU (disconnect and reconnect (ECU), then recheck for fault codes). Memory failure
52 Secondary air pump relay Low voltage
53 Secondary air pump relay High voltage
54 Idle Carbon Monoxide (CO) potentiometer n/a
55 Engine Control Unit (ECU) fault Renew Engine Control Unit (ECU)
56 Air control soleniod Low voltage
57 Air control soleniod High voltage
61 Fuel tank vent valve (FTVV) Low voltage
62 Fuel tank vent valve (FTVV) High voltage
63 Amplifier control signal, cylinders 2 and 3 (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) Low voltage
64 Amplifier control signal, cylinders 1 and 4 (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) Low voltage
65 Primary ignition (distributor systems) Low voltage
66 Throttle position sensor (TPS) Hose broken
67 Air Flow Sensor (AFS), hot wire meter (air mass meter) Signal is outside normal operation parameters (out of range)
68 Air Flow Sensor (AFS), hot wire meter (air mass meter) Faulty air mass meter signal, incorrect frequency
69 Air Temperature Sensor (ATS) (MPi only) Low voltage
71 Air Temperature Sensor (ATS) (MPi only) High voltage
72 Amplifier (Direct Ignition System (DIS)) control signal (A+B) Lead interruption, open circuit
75 Torque control (Automatic Transmission (AT) only) Low voltage
76 Torque control (Automatic Transmission (AT) only) Continuous
81 Injector valve High voltage
83 Immobiliser No or wrong code
84 Immobiliser No signal
85 Immobiliser Wrong signal
87 Air conditioning cut-off relay Low voltage
88 Air conditioning cut-off relay High voltage
92 Camshaft sensor Faulty hall effect sensor or circuit
93 Quad drive module (in ECU) n/a

[wayne85]

Siemens Simtec 56.0 and 56.1

Code: Item: Fault:
12 Initiation of diagnosis. n/a
13 Oxygen sensor Open circuit
14 Coolant temperature sensor Voltage low
15 Coolant temperature sensor Voltage high
16 Knock sensor signal circuit No change in voltage
19 Incorrect Revs per Minute (RPM) signal (crankshaft sensor) Incorrect signal, check sensor
21 Throttle position sensor (TPS) Voltage high
22 Throttle position sensor (TPS) Voltage low
23 Knock control module signal Out of range
24 Vehicle speed signal (VSS) No signal
25 Injector valve 1 Voltage high
26 Injector valve 2 Voltage high
27 Injector valve 3 Voltage high
28 Injector valve 4 Voltage high
37 Check light (fault code lamp) Voltage low
38 Oxygen sensor circuit Voltage high
39 Oxygen sensor circuit Voltage low
44 Oxygen sensor Lean exhaust (weak mixture)
45 Oxygen sensor Rich exhaust (rich mixture)
48 Battery Voltage low
49 Battery Voltage high
52 Check light (fault code lamp) Voltage high
53 Fuel pump relay Voltage low
54 Fuel pump relay Voltage high
55 Engine Control Unit (ECU) faulty Check chassis earth and ECU connector.
56 Idle air control Voltage high
57 Idle air control Voltage low
61 Fuel tank vent valve Voltage low
62 Fuel tank vent valve Voltage high
69 Intake air temperature sensor Voltage low
71 Intake air temperature sensor Voltage high
73 Mass air flow temperature Voltage low
74 Mass air flow temperature Voltage high
75 Torque control (automatic) Voltage low
76 Torque control (automatic) Continuous signal, ignition retard long
81 Injector valve 1 Voltage low. Injector short circuit to ground.
82 Injector valve 2 Voltage low. Injector short circuit to ground.
83 Injector valve 3 Voltage low. Injector short circuit to ground.
84 Injector valve 4 Voltage low. Injector short circuit to ground.
87 Air Conditioning (A/C) cut-off relay Voltage low
88 Air Conditioning (A/C) cut-off relay Voltage high
91 Oxygen sensor heater Voltage high
92 Camshaft sensor Incorrect signal
98 Oxygen sensor heater Voltage low, open circuit

Siemens Simtec 56.5

Code: Item: Fault:
0100 Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor n/a
0105 Intake manifold pressure sensor n/a
0110 Intake Air Temperature Sesnor (ATS) n/a
0115 Intake Coolant Temperature Sesnor (CTS) n/a
0120 Throttle Potentiometer Sensor (TPS) n/a
0130 Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (HEGO) sensor n/a
0135 Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (HEGO) sensor heater n/a
0150 Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (HEGO) sensor n/a
0173 Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (HEGO) sensor n/a
0201 Injector valve 1 n/a
0202 Injector valve 2 n/a
0203 Injector valve 3 n/a
0204 Injector valve 4 n/a
0205 Injector valve 5 n/a
0206 Injector valve 6 n/a
0230 Fuel pump n/a
0325 Knock sensor n/a
0330 Knock sensor 2 n/a
0335 Crank sensor n/a
0340 Camshaft sensor n/a
0351 Ignition coil 1 and 4 n/a
0352 Ignition coil 2 and 3 n/a
0400 Exhaust gas circulation valve n/a
0403 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve n/a
0410 Secondary air pump relay n/a
0412 Secondary solenoid valve n/a
0433 Tank vent valve n/a
0500 Idle speed stepper motor/idle air regulator n/a
0560 Battery n/a
1110 Switch over valve solenoid n/a
1112 Switch over valve 1 n/a
1113 Switch over valve 2 n/a
1120 Throttle body malfunction n/a
1229 Power supply relay n/a
1231 Fuel pump relay n/a
1320 Knock control cylinder 1 n/a
1327 Knock control cylinder 2 n/a
1328 Knock control cylinder 3 n/a
1329 Knock control cylinder 4 n/a
1405 Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve n/a
1410 Secondary air pump relay n/a
1411 Secondary air pump n/a
1501 Immobiliser control unit n/a
1502 Immobiliser control unit n/a
1503 Immobiliser control unit n/a
1530 Air flow relay n/a
1600 Internal control module n/a
1601 Engine Control Unit (ECU) too hot n/a
1602 Knock control module n/a
1604 Knock control unit n/a
1605 Knock control unit n/a
1606 Knock control unit n/a
1640 Knock control unit or quad drive module n/a
1690 MIL/Engine fail (malfunction indicator lamp) n/a
1740 Torque control unit
The above just tells you whats ****ed with the code!

ABS codes

16 LH Front Solenoid ( Relay & Connections )
17 RH Front Solenoid ( Relay & Connections )
18 Rear Solenoids ( Relay & Connections )
19 Solenoids Relay Circuits
25 Faulty Sensor toothed Ring
35 Pump Relay Circuits
37 Stop Lamp Switch ( Pedal Switch )
39 LH Front Speed Sensor ( Air Gap & Operation )
41 LH Front Speed Sensor ( Resistance & Connections )
42 RH Front Speed Sensor ( Air Gap & Operation )
43 RH Front Speed Sensor ( Resistance & Connections )
44 LH Rear Speed Sensor ( Air Gap & Operation )
45 LH Rear Speed Sensor ( Resistance & Connections )
46 RH Rear Speed Sensor ( Air Gap & Operation )
47 RH Rear Speed Sensor ( Resistance & Connections )
48 System Voltage High/Low ( Alternator & Battery )
55 Faulty ECU

TC codes

14 Coolant temperature sensor - voltage low (20XE only)
15 Coolant temperature sensor - voltage high (20XE only)
21 Throttle position sensor - voltage high (20XE only)
22 Throttle position sensor - voltage low (20XE only)
26 Traction control Throttle position sensor - voltage high
27 Traction control Throttle position sensor - voltage low
31 No Engine RPM Signal
37 Stop Lamp Switch ( Pedal Switch )
39 LH Front Speed Sensor
42 RH Front Speed Sensor
44 LH Rear Speed Sensor
46 RH Rear Speed Sensor
55 ECU fault
57 ABS status signal low (ABS light on indicating fault with ABS system, fix this ABS fault first)
58 ABS status signal open circuit
63 Throttle motor (ETC) motor open circuit
64 Throttle motor (ETC) motor short circuit
82 On/Off switch voltage low.

A common problem is the traction control motor plug being damp.

The TC coolant temperature sensor is located in the engine ECU coolant temperature sensor on the 20XE M2.5. If this is found to be faulty is should be replaced with the correct sensor. ie a black one not a blue one.

You will find ABS and TC codes are linked. For example if the sensors ****ed for ABS it will be ****ed for TC and swapping this fixes both!

I recommend disconnecting the battery after you have fixed a fault. Doing this for an hour lets the ECU reset itself and will clear faults. If the fault is still there though the light will come on!

I have the fault information directly from this link http://www.topbuzz1.carenthusiasts.c...ault_codes.htm

But like I say its not “topbuzz” only info and I have it all in a book – for the sake of this its easier to copy and paste

You might prefer the way they have written things but I thought id make it mk3 specific.

PS you **** up swapping sensors don’t blame me
__________________
i have taken this information from mk3oc