0302 misfire - Changed spark plugs

0302 misfire - Changed spark plugs

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IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Wednesday 3rd February 2016
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Hi guys,

Car is a Corsa C 1.8 (Z18XE). It chucked the EML light on and I checked the code and it was 0302, misfire on cylinder 2.

I just changed the spark plugs, and it now seem intermittent, before it would misfire and stutter at all times. Now it only does it under heavy load, if I feather the throttle I can accelerate fairly normally. It seems to stutter and misfire from Low revs mainly.

The spark plug to the far right of the car (Facing the car head on) was covered in oil, which makes sense because the car has been burning through an alarming rate of oil for a while.

Is my next sensible option to buy a new coil-pack, baring in mind I'm trying to save money here and run the car into the ground until May (MOT)??

Could the code just need clearing?



Thanks in advanced.

V8RX7

26,762 posts

262 months

Wednesday 3rd February 2016
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No the code can't cause the issue.

Try cleaning it (brake cleaner / WD40) but from what you describe I'd suspect you need a new coil.

IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Wednesday 3rd February 2016
quotequote all
V8RX7 said:
No the code can't cause the issue.

Try cleaning it (brake cleaner / WD40) but from what you describe I'd suspect you need a new coil.
I Guess your right, the plugs probably just needed changing too.

ECP's it is!

Might I add that when I took the coilpack out to change the plugs there was something rattling, sliding about inside it. Who knows?

Blaster72

10,772 posts

196 months

Wednesday 3rd February 2016
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If they're individual coil packs on your car you could just swap it with another position and see if the fault transfers to that cylinder

IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Thursday 4th February 2016
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UPDATE:

I purchased a used GM OEM Coil-pack, fitted it, and the car ran and pulled perfectly for around 70 miles, albeit with the EML light still on (I was hoping it would turn off). I hit a dual carriageway in 2nd and floored it, and upon reaching 4,500 rpm, there were several hesitations and misfires, follwed by the car not revving at all and the spanner light coming on.

The car would go back to normal once turned off and then on again, but everytime I floor it, the spanner light comes on at 4,500 with misfires and hesitation!

Why was it fine for 70 miles, then suddenly not?

I might reset the battery tomorrow and try to clear it

IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Friday 5th February 2016
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BUMP

Blaster72

10,772 posts

196 months

Friday 5th February 2016
quotequote all
Hi again, buying a used coil pack probably wasn't the best idea. If it's still misfiring I can only suggest you buy a brand new one (don't buy a cheap one buy a genuine Vauxhall or OEM spec one).

When they break down the faults normally are made worse with heat, probably its fine when cold and just breaks down when it's hot. The coil pack is also doing the most work when the engine is under load or at high revs.

I can't see resetting the battery will help.

DKS

1,669 posts

183 months

Friday 5th February 2016
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It's not been possible to reset fault codes by removing the battery since about 1994. If the light is still on, the fault is still there. The code will remain in memory for 25 'good runs'.
I think there was a wiring service thing for the 1800 called the 'yellow earth mod', might be worth a quick Google.
As above though, a good OEM one is a good bet. 4500RPM limit is limp home mode.

IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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Blaster72 said:
Hi again, buying a used coil pack probably wasn't the best idea. If it's still misfiring I can only suggest you buy a brand new one (don't buy a cheap one buy a genuine Vauxhall or OEM spec one).

When they break down the faults normally are made worse with heat, probably its fine when cold and just breaks down when it's hot. The coil pack is also doing the most work when the engine is under load or at high revs.

I can't see resetting the battery will help.
Hi,

The used one I took from a Zafira 1.8 with the same engine, it was a genuine GM Coil-pack. It worked for about 70 miles.

Not sure I want to spend £88 on a brand new one, for it to throw a tantrum again!

It's fine to drive at 9/10th, it only happens when the pedal is fully depressed.

I think I'll leave it for now. Also when I opened the hood to disconnect the MAF, the manifold was glowing! I assume with all the oil burning the CAT has blocked up causing the pre CAT 02 sensor to play up? No codes though!

Thanks everyone, will update thread with results.

gruffalo

7,509 posts

225 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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Sounds like you need a new CAT and the fault code for the misfire was a secondary issue.

Huntsman

8,026 posts

249 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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IntriguedUser said:
Hi,

The used one I took from a Zafira 1.8 with the same engine, it was a genuine GM Coil-pack. It worked for about 70 miles.

Not sure I want to spend £88 on a brand new one, for it to throw a tantrum again!

It's fine to drive at 9/10th, it only happens when the pedal is fully depressed.

I think I'll leave it for now. Also when I opened the hood to disconnect the MAF, the manifold was glowing! I assume with all the oil burning the CAT has blocked up causing the pre CAT 02 sensor to play up? No codes though!

Thanks everyone, will update thread with results.
Its an old banger and you want it to last until May. Stop trying to murder it!

IntriguedUser

Original Poster:

988 posts

120 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
quotequote all
You guys are right, I need to just use it as an A to B car rather than worrying about it not working at 10/10th's.

Thanks.

Blaster72

10,772 posts

196 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
quotequote all
Sorry, I hadn't noticed your comment about just limping to the mot in May.

Might still be worth swapping the foil pack with another and see if the fault code changes. If it does you can send back the 2nd hand one and get your money back.

May is still a few months away, a long time to make in in a car that won't Rev and misfires when it's warmed up. Fingers crossed for you though.