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Erratic power (almost kangaroo petrol like) 2011 1.7cdti ?

5.7K views 21 replies 6 participants last post by  lb1  
#1 ·
Hi everyone, I'm not new to the forum but it's been a long time since I was last here & it's changed of course, well done to all who regularly advise & participate.
Last week I treated myself to a 2011 1.7 cdti & have noticed the power is sometimes erratic & kangaroo like. This is only occasional. I'm trying to find out if it's just something I'm doing or if it's a known issue (I tried a search but maybe someone else would describe it different from myself).
Further, when I start the car, I sometimes rev the throttle & the handbrake comes off unbeknown to me, luckily, so far I've noticed before I've hit anything, what am I doing wrong?
Anyone help?
Kind regards
 
#4 ·
The electric parking brake is designed to release itself when you rev the engine - it assumes you are planning to drive off. There's no need to rev the engine when you start it - just turn the key (you don't even need to hold the key - the starter will turn until the engine fires anyway - it's all computer controlled now). No need to rev it to "warm it up" either. No need to touch the accelerator pedal until you actually want to drive away.

Do you have previous experience of turbo diesel cars? The power delivery is not like a petrol engine. If you don't drive it appropriately then you could experience erratic power delivery (ie feeling gutless until eventually the turbo gets going then it'll surge ahead). I wouldn't say kangaroo like though... unless of course you're having problems getting used to the clutch.
 
#7 ·
The electric parking brake is designed to release itself when you rev the engine - it assumes you are planning to drive off. There's no need to rev the engine when you start it - just turn the key (you don't even need to hold the key - the starter will turn until the engine fires anyway - it's all computer controlled now). No need to rev it to "warm it up" either. No need to touch the accelerator pedal until you actually want to drive away.
But how are you supposed to do awesome burnouts and full throttle launches
 
#6 ·
The car could have been sat at the dealer's for a long time. Taking it for a good run with some nice keen driving might help.
 
#9 ·
Hi, thanks again for the input. Really appreciate it.
I hadn't replied sooner as I wanted to give as accurate a description as I could, & now my g/f has driven the car too I hope the following achieves that & mor poss help or info might be forthcoming,

Sometimes (randomly, engine hot or cold - & recent weather can hardly be described as cold which would be a worry when colder weather arrives) the throttle response becomes lumpy/erratic/pulsates in 2nd - 3rd gear. Throttle for power & though a little is delivered, it then behaves as if you have lifted off (having not) then delivers power again. This happens occasionally when no power is asked for also, & the behaviour is similar.


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#10 ·
Thanks again for all those who have given input, i'm grateful & delayed in responding so i could give a better description.
As such my g/f had a shot of the car also & hopefully the following might have some comments forthcoming (tried to reply 3 times on ios app but it failed to uplead it would seem?)
Sometimes (randomly, engine hot or cold - & recent weather can hardly be described as cold which would be a worry when colder weather arrives) the throttle response becomes lumpy/erratic/pulsates in 2nd - 3rd gear (this happened in 5th this morning). Throttle for power & though a little is delivered, it then behaves as if you have lifted off (having not) then delivers power again. This happens occasionally when no power is asked for also, & the behaviour is similar.
 
#11 ·
Wanted to leave more info as it seems the issue I hand here was resolved eventually:
Took back to where purchased from under a short term warranty & was eventually traced as follows-
Fault code p0093 fuel system leak, traced to fuel pressure regulator which was replaced ( a hefty bill which I didn't have to meet fortunately)
Now I have trouble with the cruise control failing to engage, despite using clutch brakes & gears. Becoming a very disappointing car to own unfortunately.
I've tried researching the cruise control issue, no joy, any suggestions further would be welcome.


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#12 ·
Just wanted to update the thread, might be of benefit to someone else & give closure to anyone who took the time to try & help.
Took the car back, there was a short warranty on it.
Eventually it found to be fault code P0093 Fuel System Leak, traced to fuel pressure regulator, which was replaced (not cheap but I didn't have to pick up the bill fortunately).
I still have a problem with the cruise control engaging sometimes tho.
Would I need a specific code reader?
Thanks again all.


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#16 ·
Well I think :-/ I may have got to the bottom of it in that the clutch (& maybe brake) pedal aren't being fully returned to their start position. Could this be a cause? Not having a car & the 120 mile round trip & long drive put me off going back again (warranty).
Also would I need a special fault code reader for this car?
Thanks again.



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#21 ·
If you think the pedals may not be right, I would suggest go and sit in another Astra J and see if that's the same or not. If you don't know anyone else with one then just go to your nearest dealer that has one.

If the car is under 3 years old and 60,000miles then the warranty from Vauxhall is still in place. Any Vauxhall or Opel dealer in all of Europe will honour that warranty for you. If the car is older than that then you need to check the warranty paperwork that the dealer supplied to see what the terms are as scotty says.