[McOlaf]

Well, I have a strange problem here...
Up here in the Highlands it's raining like crazy...

This morning it was dry, and nothing wrong, but I drove to my work in the pooring rain, and I had a strange problem.

The car just cuts out after lifting the foor of the pedal.
Dashboard lights come on, and that is that...

Put it in neutral, turn the key, and it runs like nothing's happened.

Had it twice in half an hour....

What could this be...
The car runs great part from that, but the cutting out is something I don't like...

I must say that I drove her a bit more agressive than normal, but I can't see that's an issue..

I had this once 3 weeks ago whilst driving to Edinburgh, and it was dry back then.. never did it again, untill today...

[Leeky]

Could you describe in a bit more detail how it happens. I'm not quite sure what you mean about the pedal - Hopefully I can help a bit then if I know exactly what happens and when to cause it.

For example:

Is it doing it when you come to a stop, and the engine is at idle? e.g. stationary at a junction/traffic lights.
Or is it cutting out when you de-throttle even at engine speed? e.g. moving still

[McOlaf]

Well...
It is an automatic..
I drive it like always, gearchanges are smooth, nothing wrong at all.
like I said, I was in a bit of a sporty mood this morning, so stepped a bit harder on the throttle..

But still, the car drives very nice..
But...
As soon as I took the foot of the throttle ( in the 2 occasions above ) and wanted to brake, the lights on the dash came on, and the engine stopped running...

You can see it, as it comes out of 2000 rpm, straight to zero...

If you put it back in neutral, it starts no problem, and you can drive it like nothing is wrong.. and, the next time you want to brake, nothing happens, engine keeps running, just like it should...

it is not an issue that returns everytime you take the foot of the throttle.. happened only twice on my way to work, and I have like 20 roundabouts, so have to brake a lot...

[Leeky]

I think it would be worth removing the ICV (idle control valve) and giving it a clean. The problem your describing is definitely a stalling issue.

Its behaviour can sometimes seem a little odd on automatics, and it could be early indications of problems with it.

Other than that, it could be a software glitch in the gearbox ecu.

How does it idle when in P or N? Is it slightly rough, or does it literally hold 650rpm and not deviate at all?

[McOlaf]

It idles great... you can hardly hear it, and picks up straight away, and falls back to around 600 rpm.... hot or cold...

Like I said, it's only the third time ( 2 times today )

Where is that valve located? and is it easy to clean?
I might have a go on that... see if that cures the issue

[Leeky]

Have a look at the engine parts diagram here mate: location of main v6 parts

The part is labelled as a Idle Air Valve.

Basically order a new gasket from Vauxhall (as air leaks will cause problems), and then remove it, and soak it in petrol/brake cleaner etc, flush it through til its all clear again, dry it and then refit with new gasket.

Nice and simple.

[McOlaf]

Sweet picture!!! Great!!
Will report back once I have it clean...

But.. is there any connection between the weather and a dirty valve?

[Leeky]

	Quote:
	Originally Posted by McOlaf Sweet picture!!! Great!! Will report back once I have it clean... But.. is there any connection between the weather and a dirty valve?

Not really. I put it down to a simple coincidence more than anything else.

[fsurfer]

Might be worth checking all your sensor connections and spraying WD40 on each of them, in case any moisture has got in.

The engine parts diagram :- it isnt the rear knock sensor but the crank speed sensor, the rear knock sensor connection is near the coil pack and there's another crank sensor near the oil filter.

[Leeky]

	Quote:
	Originally Posted by fsurfer Might be worth checking all your sensor connections and spraying WD40 on each of them, in case any moisture has got in. The engine parts diagram :- it isnt the rear knock sensor but the crank speed sensor, the rear knock sensor connection is near the coil pack and there's another crank sensor near the oil filter.

That's not bad preventative maintenance actually.

Though personally, I would be using electrical contact cleaner to clean both ends of the electrical connectors and sealing them with vaseline, which is a petroleum jelly - It keeps moisture off of electrical pins!